A conversation with Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Leon Topalian, President and CEO, Nucor, and Kristina Swallow, PE, Past President, American Society of Civil Engineers and Director, Nevada Department of Transportation

Remarks throughout the day from Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)

The U.S. electric grid is undergoing significant change as states move towards ambitious goals to increase reliance on renewables alongside a move to electrify. These actions can also put pressure on aging and congested transmission lines – the “interstate highway” of the electricity grid – to move large quantities of renewables around the country. It will be critical that policy makers and stakeholders work together in the planning of this energy transition and future grid. How do we utilize new technologies to modernize the grid, provide consumers and businesses with more control of their energy assets while also successfully transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy landscape?

Hear from an expert panel on the essential next steps to modernize the nation’s electric grid as we transition to renewables, and about a North Carolina town that’s setting the standard for innovation in the sector.

Speakers:

• Ruth Gratzke, President, Siemens Smart Infrastructure U.S.
• Rob Gramlich, Executive Director, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid
• Otto Lynch, PE, President, Powerline Systems
• Swati Daji, Senior Vice President for Customer Solutions and Strategy, Duke Energy
• Moderated by Tom Smith, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers

A pandemic that decimates transit and state DOT revenues – transportation agencies are no stranger to staring down a crisis and adapting to deliver key lifeline services to communities. As we emerge from the pandemic and a prolonged shutdown, how do we deliver on a big and bold vision for transportation? What innovations were already driving the industry that can get accelerated now?

Speakers:

• Maria Lehman, PE, U.S. Infrastructure Lead, GHD
• Jeff Nelson, Chair, American Public Transportation Association and General Manager, MetroLINK
• Elizabeth Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO
• Phillip Washington, CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
• Moderated by Kristina Swallow, PE, Past President, American Society of Civil Engineers and Director, Nevada Department of Transportation

As President Biden prioritizes emission reductions, inland waterways and ports are primed to help his Administration realize those goals. Goods transported on inland waterways generate low levels of carbon dioxide and can alleviate strain on other modes. Ports, meanwhile, have achieved meaningful reductions in pollutants over the last decade through innovation and cross-jurisdictional partnerships. However, our waterways and ports are playing catchup on needed investments after a generation of insufficient funding. Join us to hear from an expert panel of witnesses on how our waterways and ports are poised to deliver a greener future through eco-restoration, utilization of emissions-friendly transport, and investment, and what federal, state, and local partners can do to help us get there.

Speakers:

• Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA)
• Bill Hanson, Senior Vice President, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.
• Mayor Bob Gallagher of Bettendorf, IA, Co-Chair of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative
• Jennifer Belknap Williamson, Director of Engineering, Port of Portland
• Moderated by Casey Dinges, Executive Advisor, American Society of Civil Engineers