2026 NACo Energy Symposium
About the symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in Potter County, Texas for the 2026 NACo Energy Symposium, presented by the Rural Action Caucus in partnership with the NACo Rural Energy Academy. Held September 23–25, 2026, this two-day event will offer county officials a unique opportunity to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today.
Attendees will hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development. From grid reliability and energy infrastructure to economic development, land use, innovation and community impacts, this symposium will equip county officials with the insights, partnerships and strategies needed to lead in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Registration opening soon
Registration will open on April 1.
Want to be notified when registration opens? Complete the form below.
Committees & Caucuses
NACo Rural Action Caucus
Since 1997, the Rural Action Caucus (RAC) has represented the nearly 70 percent of America's counties that are rural, addressing critical federal, state and local issues impacting these unique communities. In Washington, D.C., RAC is the voice of rural counties before Congress and the White House.
Programs & Initiatives
Rural Energy Academy
NACo’s Rural Energy Academy empowers county leaders with information and support to make energy decisions that work best for their communities.
NACo launches 2026 Rural Energy Academy Cohort to support county decision-making on new energy projects
NACo announces the launch of the 2026 Rural Energy Academy technical assistance cohort.
U.S. Department of the Interior issues new NEPA regulations recognizing local governments as cooperating agencies
On February 23, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final rule updating the Department’s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; P.L. 91-190). In a step forward for counties, the final rule reinstates provisions that name local government agencies as cooperating agencies during the NEPA environmental review process.
House Agriculture Committee advances 2026 Farm Bill
On March 5, the House Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Westerman warns of short timeline on permitting reform
Time is running out during an election year to pass permitting reform legisation.