Fundamentals & Emerging Issues Series
Energy and Data Centers, Navigating Sustainability and Solutions
Monday, June 29, 2026
12:00 pm EDT/11:00 am CT – 1:30 pm EDT/12:30 mm CT
WCEE is proud to present this event co-planned with the Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) and hosted by Berkeley Research Group (BRG).
Data centers are rapidly becoming one of the most consequential drivers of energy demand, infrastructure investment, and economic development across the United States. This hybrid lunchtime event on Monday, June 29th will focus will provide a practical introduction to the forces driving data center growth before exploring emerging approaches to some of the industry's most pressing environmental, infrastructure, and energy-related considerations.
Following a brief Data Centers 101 overview, a distinguished panel of solutions-focused experts will discuss how the organization they work with are approaching sustainability, resource management, environmental permitting, community engagement, energy procurement, and infrastructure planning in an increasingly complex development landscape. Panelists will offer perspectives that span the full lifecycle of data center development—from site selection and permitting to operational considerations involving energy, water, technology, and security.
Whether you work in energy, infrastructure, environmental policy, economic development, finance, consulting, or technology, this discussion will provide valuable insights into one of the fastest-growing sectors shaping the future of our electric grid and built environment. This event is generously hosted by BRG at its Washington, D.C. office and will also be available virtually. A light lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.
Host:
Moderators:
Panelists:
- Maureen Kinyua, Water Infrastructure Strategist, Prof. Kinyua Consulting
- Christie Blevins, Director-Regulatory and Permitting, Wetlands Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI)
- Damali Harding, Managing Director, Amendment Nine
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm EDT/11:00 am CT – 1:30 pm EDT/12:30 mm CT
Location: Virtual and in-person at BRG’s offices:1800 M St., NW., 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20036.
Cost: No Cost - bring your colleagues and friends to introduce them to WCEE and WRISE!
About the Fundamentals & Emerging Issues Series:
In recognition of the legacy and responsibilities of WCEE at this historic moment for energy and environmental interests, the WCEE Board of Directors developed a strategic plan for 2026 that reflects its role as a nonpartisan organization elevating thought leadership and sharing critical insights for our partner sponsors and individual members alike during this transformational period.
One element of the strategic plan is raising baseline knowledge on relevant and timely energy and environmental matters and explaining in plain language how and why these matters are relevant from the perspectives of various stakeholders, including regulatory bodies such as FERC and state legislatures, non-profit environmental compliance organizations, private sector energy and digital infrastructure enterprises, and more.
To do this, WCEE is launching “Fundamentals and Emerging Issues,” a new series that provides an overview of energy and environmental topics while exploring emerging issues. This value-focused series is created for impact, providing accessible know-how for newer members to our sector to improve their understanding while also delving into the complexities that are relevant to more experienced executives navigating decisions on these matters in real time.
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We look forward to seeing you on the June 29th.
Thank you for your support!