2026 NACo Energy Symposium
About the symposium
County leaders from across the country joined in the Texas Panhandle for the 2026 NACo Energy Symposium. Held September 23-25, 2026, the event offered county officials a unique opportunity to engage with the most pressing issues shaping America today.
Attendees heard from experts, exchanged ideas with peers and gained practical into the policies, projects and partnerships driving the future of energy development. From grid reliability and energy infrastructure to economic development, land use, innovation and community impacts, the symposium equipped county officials with the insights, partnerships and strategies needed to lead in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Registration closed
Registration for the 2026 Energy Symposium is now closed.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at nacomeetings@naco.org.
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.
County grants help first-generation farmers put down roots
Frederick County, Md.'s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program is helping local farmers expand and diversify their business operations with the aim of strengthening the county’s agricultural economy.
U.S. Senators introduce bipartisan comprehensive permitting reform package with major county wins
On Sep. 30, the leaders of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653), a comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform package that would make major changes to several federal environmental protection statutes.
Foundations navigate community benefit agreements
Philanthropic organizations offer a specialized approach to managing proceeds from community benefit agreements struck between counties and energy companies.
Texas symposium spurs energy talks
The road to domestic energy independence will be paved and maintained by counties, and more than 100 county leaders came to the Texas panhandle to learn how to make the most of the opportunity.
Public lands offer potential for boosting energy generation
Oil and gas leases on public lands have opened the door for renewables like solar and wind to double dip on energy productions, sweetening the deal for counties.
