Oct 11, 2025 By Rick Shrum 4 min read

Washington & Jefferson College will be a powerful energy source on Oct. 21, when its Center for Energy Policy and Management plays host to the Pennsylvania Energy Ecosystem Conference.

CEPM will present the on-campus event in conjunction with the Central Appalachian Partnership for Carbon Storage Deployment. The conference will take place at Yost Auditorium in the Burnett Center beginning at 8 a.m. and continue to 3 p.m.

There will be a networking breakfast, and lunch will be provided.

Pennsylvania, of course, is an energy focal point, a major source of natural gas and a pivotal location for the rapid growth in the development of data centers. The Keystone State likely will be a key in containing the rising demand for electricity.

It is one of 13 northeastern states, plus the District of Columbia, that are served by the PJM Interconnection grid, which faces increasing threats of being stressed. Data centers, in particular, require large amounts of energy to operate.

The energy landscape is constantly changing. The conference will feature government and industry leaders who will discuss what energy trends mean across our state and how energy sources can help to meet challenges and opportunities that may be ahead.

Participants also will delve into several emerging technologies, including geothermal and distributed energy sources, that could help meet Pennsylvania’s increasing energy needs.

Attendees also will be able to discuss thought-provoking issues and network with professionals working in energy, economic development, and carbon sequestration, and address upcoming energy trends in the state.

Featured speakers include:

9 a.m. – Elizabeth McLeod Walls, W&J president, opening;

9:05 – Adam Walters, senior energy adviser, DCED, Pennsylvania’s energy landscape and state policies;

10:10 – Dr. Corey Young, CEPM director, the promise of geothermal and distributed energy;

10:45 a.m. – August Seibel, director of Risk Management, Liberty Power Innovations, behind-the-meter power generation: Fort Cherry Case Study;

11:10: Kim Price, director of Corporate Ventures Affairs, EQT, 10:45 a.m.;

11:50: Matt Mackowiak, director of Government Affairs, Core Resources, coal’s in the commonwealth.

To register for this complimentary event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pennsylvania-energy-ecosystem-conference-tickets-1611239152679?aff=oddtdtcreator or wjenergy.org/energyecosystem2025.

The seminar is approved for five Continuing Legal Education credits in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Contact the Washington County Bar Association at wcba@washcobar.org for information or visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9r26tzg to register for credits.

Core chair adds role

Core Natural Resources Inc. announced Wednesday that its board of directors has appointed board chair Jimmy Brock to the additional role of chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Brock succeeds Paul A. Lang, who is departing as CEO and board member. Lang has agreed to provide transition consulting services to Brock through the end of the year – and with the board and the management team – to ensure a seamless transition.

Brock said in a statement: “I am excited to take on this expanded leadership role at a pivotal time in Core’s innovation and growth. With its world-class operating portfolio, diversified product slate, strategic logistical network, and talented workforce, Core is positioned for tremendous growth and success in the years ahead.”

Brock has been executive chair of the Core board since Jan. 14, when Core was formed through a merger of Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy. Brock at that time was chairman and CEO of CONSOL Energy.

Steel Nation exec

Eric Deliere is a little more than a month into his new job – superintendent and project manager at Steel Nation, a Southpointe-based company that provides construction, engineering and environmental solutions for the energy, commercial and industrial sectors.

He was previously superintendent at Richard Goettle Inc., a deep foundation and grouting company.

Deliere, of Canonsburg, works with the operations team and reports to Shawn Omer, the firm’s executive vice president. Omer said in a prepared statement: “Eric comes to Steel Nation with an extensive background in the oil and gas industry. His knowledge and skill set will increase Steel Nation’s ability to supply quality products to the oil and gas industry.”