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CONFERENCE INVITATION

Powering California’s Future

2025 Speaker Series on California’s Future

Thursday, August 21, 2025 • 9:00 a.m.–2:15 p.m. PT

Conference check-in and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m.

SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
1401 K St., Ballroom B
Sacramento, CA 95814 (map)

Please register in advance to attend in person or to watch the live stream. In-person registration is limited. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and there is no charge to attend.

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About the Program

California is a global leader in energy innovation, setting ambitious targets to support the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable sources. Yet, questions remain about the ability of the state to meet these targets while providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to fuel California’s economy and support its people. This half-day conference will bring together diverse experts from across the state to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by California’s energy transition and discuss realistic strategies for powering the state’s future.

PPIC’s Speaker Series on California’s Future invites thought leaders and changemakers with diverse perspectives to participate critically, constructively, and collaboratively in public conversations. The purpose is to give Californians a better understanding of how our leaders are addressing the challenges facing our state.

Panels

Panel 1: Setting the Stage—Is California on track to meet its clean energy goals? What do residents think about California’s energy transition?

Panel 2: Maintaining Reliability—As California moves towards a clean energy future, how can we ensure dependability? What is the balance of renewable and traditional sources required to meet growing needs?

Panel 3: Ensuring Affordability—With some of the highest energy costs in the nation, how can California affordably achieve its clean energy targets?

Panel 4: Supporting California’s Economy—How can energy policies most effectively promote economic growth and a carbon neutral future?

The conference will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. PT, followed by an informal networking reception. Please visit the conference page for a full schedule.

Participants

Mark Baldassare, Survey Director and Miller Chair in Public Policy, Public Policy Institute of California

Ross Brown, Chief Deputy Legislative Analyst, Legislative Analyst’s Office

Tani Cantil-Sakauye, President and CEO, Public Policy Institute of California

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, President, California Federation of Labor Unions

Yana Garcia, Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency

Kate Gordon, CEO, California Forward

Siva Gunda, Vice Chair, California Energy Commission

Lance Hastings, President and CEO, California Manufacturers & Technology Association

Laura Klivans, Science Reporter, KQED

Graham Knaus, CEO, California State Association of Counties

Ana Matosantos, former Cabinet Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Ivan Penn, Energy and Utilities Reporter, The New York Times

Roderick Robinson, Vice President of Electric System Operations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Alice Busching Reynolds, President, California Public Utilities Commission

Nora Sheriff, Shareholder, Buchalter (representing California Large Energy Consumers Association)

Adria Tinnin, Director of Race Equity & Legislative Policy, TURN (The Utility Reform Network)

Andy Walz, President, Downstream, Midstream and Chemicals, Chevron

Peter Weber, Board Member, New California Coalition

About PPIC

The Public Policy Institute of California is dedicated to informing and improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. We are a public charity. We do not take or support positions on any ballot measure or on any local, state, or federal legislation, nor do we endorse, support, or oppose any political parties or candidates for public office.

Contact

Sal Beeby

(415) 291-4426

[email protected]