Commonwealth Foundation Leads the Conversation on Pennsylvania’s Energy Future

Pennsylvania’s role as a national energy leader took center stage during a dynamic panel discussion hosted by the Commonwealth Foundation at Shippensburg University.

The event—introduced by the Commonwealth Foundation’s Vice President, Stephen Bloom, and moderated by Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Megan Martin—convened prominent energy experts to discuss Pennsylvania’s path toward a sustainable and prosperous energy future. In attendance were business leaders, lawmakers, community members, students, and university staff.

Bloom opened the event by reaffirming the Commonwealth Foundation’s mission to transform free-market ideas into actionable public policy that empowers Pennsylvanians to thrive.

“Pennsylvania is the number-one exporter of electricity in the United States,” Bloom reminded the audience. “It is of the utmost importance that public policies—both federal and state—do not undermine the economic lifeblood of our Commonwealth or our nation.”

Following his remarks, Bloom introduced Martin. In her opening remarks, Martin set the tone for a thoughtful exploration of Pennsylvania’s energy landscape. She emphasized that the commonwealth’s balanced approach—embracing innovation while maintaining environmental stewardship—serves as a model for the nation.

“Pennsylvania has demonstrated that if we want to protect the environment, we must embrace commonsense management and responsible stewardship, not heavy-handed mandates,” she said. “We’ve increased energy output while cutting carbon emissions—without carbon taxes or overregulation.”

Martin underscored that Pennsylvania’s energy abundance—from natural gas to nuclear—drives not just the state economy but also national prosperity. “The road to national energy independence and dominance begins in Pennsylvania,” she declared. “Our energy powers hospitals, homes, and innovation. Affordable and reliable energy is essential to humanity.”

The panel featured two distinguished leaders in the energy sector: Bryan Wright, president and senior vice president of projects and services at Constellation Energy and a Shippensburg graduate, and Stephanie Catarino Wissman, Executive Director of the American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania. Together, they examined the economic, regulatory, and technological challenges shaping the state’s energy future.

Throughout the discussion, panelists explored critical questions—from stabilizing energy costs and expanding pipeline infrastructure to reviving nuclear capacity and balancing reliability with environmental responsibility. Wright highlighted developments such as the Crane Clean Energy Center (formerly Three Mile Island) and the renewed potential for nuclear power in Pennsylvania, while Wissman emphasized the importance of modernizing regulatory frameworks and investing in infrastructure to maintain competitiveness.

In closing, Martin encouraged the audience—especially younger attendees—to take inspiration from Pennsylvania’s legacy of leadership and ingenuity.

“Our future depends on the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers,” she said. “With freedom and responsibility, we can meet the challenges of tomorrow without sacrificing opportunity.”

The event reaffirmed the Commonwealth Foundation’s role as a trusted convener of thought leaders and policymakers, driving informed dialogue on the issues that shape Pennsylvania’s—and America’s—economic and energy future.

Click here for more insights and analysis of energy policies from the Commonwealth Foundation.