Earth Day Energy Summit Sparks Critical Conversation on Long Island’s Energy Future
At a time when conversations surrounding energy policy, grid reliability, sustainability, and infrastructure investment are becoming increasingly urgent, FOREWomen LI brought together some of the most influential leaders shaping New York’s energy future for a candid and forward-looking discussion.
The summit highlighted the reality that energy conversations are no longer abstract policy debates. They are deeply personal to the communities, businesses, and workers who rely on resilient systems every single day.
A Grounded Conversation on Energy and Infrastructure
Moderated by LIPA Board Chair Tracey Edwards, the discussion delivered exactly what the moment demanded: honesty, insight, and practical perspective.
In true Tracey fashion, the conversation remained grounded, direct, and focused on the real-world challenges facing New York’s evolving energy landscape.
Women Leading New York’s Energy Future
The panel featured an extraordinary group of women leading some of the state’s most significant energy and environmental initiatives, including:
- Carrie Meek Gallagher, President and CEO of LIPA
- Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA
- Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters
- Alanna Russo, Director of U.S. External Affairs for National Grid Ventures
- Patricia Lombardi, P.E., Senior Vice President of Project Delivery at NYPA
Together, the panelists explored topics central to the future of Long Island’s energy system, including:
- Grid diversification
- Offshore wind
- Battery storage
- Clean energy investment
- Public trust
- Workforce development
- Reliability and affordability
- The balance between sustainability goals and real-world infrastructure needs
Collaboration Across the Industry
What made the summit especially impactful was not just the expertise on stage, but the collaboration throughout the room.
Industry professionals, contractors, engineers, labor leaders, public officials, consultants, and advocates came together to engage in thoughtful conversation about how Long Island can move forward responsibly and strategically during a pivotal moment for the energy sector.
FOREWomen LI’s Growing Role
The Energy Summit served as another example of FOREWomen LI’s growing role as a convening force within the region’s infrastructure industry.
By creating meaningful spaces for dialogue, the organization continues to elevate women’s leadership across sectors that are actively shaping Long Island’s future.