AI, Energy, and the Environment: Use, Policy, and Tradeoffs

Policy Choices, Investment Strategies, and Governance

DateSeptember 24, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

Governments face difficult choices as AI-related infrastructure expands and AI becomes more integrated into energy and environmental systems. This session examines policy, regulatory, planning, procurement, and investment approaches being used to manage growth, protect communities, support innovation, maintain grid reliability, and advance environmental goals. Participants will explore the tradeoffs associated with different approaches and the questions public officials should ask before making decisions.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Compare policy, regulatory, procurement, planning, and investment approaches for managing AI-related infrastructure and applications.
  • Analyze tradeoffs among economic development, community impacts, grid reliability, innovation, affordability, and environmental goals.
  • Identify key questions public officials should ask when making decisions about AI-related infrastructure, investments, and governance.
Patrick C. Woodcock

Patrick C. Woodcock

President and CEO, Maine State Chamber of Commerce

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Michael Furze

Michael Furze

Policy Director, Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission

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This workshop is part of the AI, Energy, and the Environment: Use, Policy, and Tradeoffs