Inside the Energy Power Players Lunch: Uncertainty, Urgency and the Future of Energy in America
ROKK Solutions convened a powerhouse group of energy leaders for a closed-door discussion on one of the most pressing and complex issues facing the country today: the future of energy. With executives and strategists from across the sector–oil and gas, utilities, renewables and emerging technology–participants had a frank conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping the energy industry.
Prior to the event, ROKK conducted an opinion survey of the hurdles energy power players face in light of a rapidly evolving political landscape and market uncertainty. The dialogue delved into the survey results and covered the high-stakes crossroads the U.S. energy sector is facing.
“It’s clear from our conversation that inadequate permitting policy is a significant bipartisan and multi-energy source problem, that there is shared concern about rising power prices amid surging demand, and that we must have a national plan, rather than policies that jerk back and forth based on who is in power” said Dan Whitten founder of Athanor Public Affairs, who co-hosted the event with ROKK. “These are concerns shared by oil and gas, by renewables, by manufacturers, by infrastructure providers and by efficiency groups, and I hope we can work together toward a durable national energy strategy.”
Here are five key takeaways from the conversation:
Permitting reform is everyone’s problem
Across the board, participants stressed the urgent need to modernize the permitting process at all levels, including municipal, state and federal. It’s not just natural gas and renewables that are getting caught in the red tape; every energy type is affected.
The energy power players emphasized that the permitting process is too slow, too fragmented across jurisdictions and too vulnerable to political swings between governments. Without meaningful and long-term reform, developers are constantly forced to reinvent, delay or scrap their long-term planning. From transmission lines to offshore wind to small modular reactors, permitting remains one of the biggest bottlenecks in America’s energy future.
Data centers are the new driver of demand, and they’re not waiting
With artificial intelligence expanding rapidly and at hyperscales, data centers have become a major force shaping energy demand. But their timeline doesn’t align with the traditional build of energy infrastructure.
The energy power players highlighted a widening gap between when data centers are built and when energy sources become available. Some suggested renewables, including geothermal, energy efficiency and upgraded gas plants, could help bridge the short-term needs, while others emphasized the importance of integrating energy planning directly into data center designs from the start.
It’s time to launch a PR campaign for nuclear energy
Nuclear energy–once sidelined–could experience a renaissance among utilities and investors. Several energy power players mentioned the completion of the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant as proof of what’s possible.
Still, nuclear power isn’t an easy sell. Public perception remains shaky, regulatory approval remains slow and upfront costs remain high. Small modular reactors were discussed as a promising option, but most agreed that nuclear energy needs to move forward more quickly and with greater transparency to build trust.
Energy policy is a hamster wheel without consistency
The ever-changing political climate has always posed a challenge to the energy sector. With the upcoming 2026 midterms already looming, participants expressed concern that the lack of continuity between administrations creates a start-and-stop cycle that hinders the long-term planning and development process of energy plants.
The participants pointed to the Big Beautiful Bill as an example. Some applauded its goals but questioned its staying power. Others warned that incentives and tariffs could make or break projects that have been years in development.
There’s no silver bullet–we need everything
The one shared conclusion from the conversation: America’s energy future isn’t about choosing gas or solar–it’s about integrating all available sources. Participants cautioned against relying on a single technology or fuel source.
“We made the mistake of picking one energy type as the energy solution,” said a participant. “And it shot us in the foot.”
The energy power players called for a diversified portfolio, paired with a streamlined permitting system and consistent leadership, which may not be a silver bullet, but it’s the closest thing to one.
Join the conversation
Want to join the conversation with energy power players that will define the industry’s future? Contact us to get involved and discuss how our bipartisan, battle-tested team can help elevate your organization and the energy industry with innovative communications and public affairs strategies.
