Center for Energy Science and Policy

09/30/2026

Join us for our 2026 Symposium next Wednesday, October 7, from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM!

Energy, trade, and data are the foundation of the global economy—but the infrastructure that carries them is increasingly vulnerable to disruption.
From maritime chokepoints and subsea cables to the terrestrial power grid, the systems we rely on every day face new strategic challenges. As we look toward the future, space-based solutions—and advances in nuclear and geothermal energy—could play an increasingly important role in strengthening resilience, securing critical infrastructure, and shaping economic statecraft.

Join us for a day of discussion on the future of national security, energy resilience, and the next frontier of economic power.

Full agenda: https://cesp.gmu.edu/from-sea-to-space-symposium/
Registration: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2106930/1969835/

10/25/2025

Virginia’s at a turning point. A new Schar School article highlights CESP’s latest research on the Commonwealth’s rising energy demand—and outlines steps to strengthen its energy future.

Read here:

A new cross-disciplinary study from colleges across George Mason’s campuses reaches a disturbing conclusion about the future of the commonwealth’s energy sources and supplies. See the sobering details in “Virginia Energy Report: Policy Roadmap for the Commonwealth.”

10/10/2025

The Center for Energy Science & Policy is pleased to announce the release of its inaugural report, Virginia Energy Report: Policy Roadmap for the Commonwealth (2025). This report is intended to provide practical recommendations for rapidly deploying new, cleaner energy projects, increasing demand-side management programs, and enhancing energy education throughout Virginia. The report seeks coalition-building between top-down leadership and bottom-up grassroots efforts. It strives to provide objective analysis that adheres to current state law and sensible projections for Virginia’s energy leaders and decision-makers. Ultimately, the collective goal is to improve the lives of all Virginians through its energy systems.

Read the report here:

Virginia Energy ReportHome / Virginia Energy Report The Virginia Energy Report: Policy Roadmap for the Commonwealth is intended to provide practical recommendations for rapidly deploying new, cleaner energy projects, increasing demand-side management programs, and enhancing energy education througho...

04/21/2025

Registration for the Forum has closed! We have reached capacity!

We would like to remind everyone attending that it is this Wednesday the 23rd. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

The full agenda is on the CESP website linked here:

EventsHome / Events 7th Annual Energy Forum Center for Energy Science and Policy (CESP) & Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy Mason Square Campus 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201 April 23, 2025 Van Metre Hall, room 125 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Keynote Speaker: David Sandalow Inaugural Fello...

04/11/2025

SOON: 7th Annual Mason Energy Forum

April 23, 2025

Join us in Arlington to explore AI, data centers, and the energy transition!

The full agenda with speakers and panelists is attached.



Register: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2012287/1969835/

03/25/2025

SAVE THIS DATE: On April 23 at the Mason Square campus in Arlington, the 7th annual Mason Energy Forum will address the complex relationship between AI, data centers and the data economy, and the changed energy transition environment. This symposium will include panels from leading policymakers, academics, and private sector players on the energy promises, potential difficulties of AI, and local challenges for public resources and engagement. The agenda and registration material will follow.

This year's keynote speaker is David Sandalow, the Inaugural Fellow of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University and the former United States Undersecretary for Energy (Acting) and Assistant Secretary for Policy & International Affairs.

Register Here: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2012287/1969835/

08/16/2024

Hey Virginia, if you want to save money on energy costs and compete for billions in federal grants, contact GMU's team. The team successfully developed Energy Action Plans for several municipalities.

Here's the story of the Local Climate Action Planning Initiative (LCAPI), the state's first university outreach service that translates academic research into direct community action. See

Categories Blog Climate Change & Environment The Story of the Local Climate Action Planning Initiative Post author By aschappe Post date August 13, 2024 Left to right, Rebecca Grossi, Joel Hicks, Paul Bubbosh, Ellio Meyer, Jared Weaver, Elza Thomas, and George Lynch Virginia’s First University Tea...

08/02/2024

Join us on Wednesday, August 22nd at 1:30pm for a workshop on Energy, Economic Development and Regulatory Sandboxes ft. Ambassador (ret.) Richard Kauzlarich!

Hosted by the George Mason Center for Energy Science & Policy and with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

05/02/2024

The plans are complete! CESP's Local Climate Action Planning Initiative (LCAPI) went through a three-phase process to develop Energy Action Plans.
George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government

Three Virginia municipalities will see lower energy costs and lower emissions thanks to the Schar School’s Local Climate Action Planning Initiative’s Energy Action Plans. More are coming.

01/20/2024

Got Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories?! CESP's Local Climate Action Planning Initiative (LCAPI) is making a difference in the Commonwealth. We look forward to Phase II and helping our neighbors plan for the energy transition. George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government

Media AdvisoriesHome / Media Advisories George Mason University Completes Greenhouse Gas Inventories for Three Virginia Municipalities January 9, 2024 Arlington, VA — George Mason University’s Local Climate Action Planning Initiative works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout Virginia b...