This legislative summit brought together state leaders, energy experts, and policymakers from across the country to discuss pathways to a sustainable energy future. Held in Newport, Rhode Island, in October 2023, the summit addressed key topics, such as the implications of recent federal energy legislation, challenges to renewable energy adoption, and strategies to ensure secure and resilient power grids.

Dr. Sarah Mills, director of the Center for EmPowering Communities, presented the critical role of rural communities in the clean energy transition. She provided insights into how renewable energy infrastructure impacts residents, governments, and economies, highlighting how state policies—particularly those related to property taxation and zoning—affect the deployment of renewable projects and shape their impact on rural communities. Her presentation emphasized the need for energy policies that account for the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas, ensuring these communities are not only sites for renewable energy projects but also active participants in the transition.