Posted on July 23, 2026 by Dana Faught
Since 2014, ClearPath has existed to strengthen American innovation and develop solutions that reduce energy emissions. In addition to groundbreaking, forward-looking ideas, progress depends on people who can turn those ideas into tangible, durable policy.
The ClearPath Conservative Leadership Program (CCLP) aspires to help foster, educate and place rising professionals in the offices and organizations shaping America’s energy future across Capitol Hill. Cultivating the next generation of emerging energy talent complements ClearPath’s mission to advance America’s energy leadership and deliver clean power worldwide.
CCLP marked its third year of professional development programming with “Powering Your Energy Career: Connections and Conversations for Young Energy Professionals in Washington,” bringing together interns, fellows and early-career staff working in and around clean energy policy. Throughout the event, attendees were able to hear directly from leaders across multiple agencies and energy institutions who shared advice and lessons from their own experience in the energy sector, along with the range of career possibilities available throughout the field.
Programming throughout the morning included a full agenda of a fireside chat, hands-on activities and an expert panel discussion. All of the sessions were designed to give the participants different perspectives on a career in energy and the importance of pursuing a career in the field.
Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and former Congressman Greg Walden opened the day with a fireside chat on their own paths to energy leadership. Both emphasized that success as a young professional in Washington depends on a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt within an environment as fast-paced as Washington, D.C. In the discussion, Rep. Maloy reminded the audience that they do not need to have their full career path figured out, but rather show up for the work in front of them and stay open to what the journey might present.
Zack Roday, a Partner at Ascent Media, presented on professional presence and the art of the elevator pitch. He walked participants through the fundamentals that shape a strong first impression to prepare for any networking opportunity. Participants practiced these skills during a networking session which featured the opportunity to connect with representatives from ACC, CRES, AEI and C3 Solutions.
Hillary O’Brien, Managing Director of Clean Power, Natural Resources and Research at ClearPath, led the third session, Demystifying AI, which broke down data centers in plain terms: what they are, how they function and why they’ve become central to the conversation around rising power demand. This understanding will serve participants well as data centers continue to shape energy policy debates.
The day closed with a panel of speakers who have built careers across different corners of the energy field: Matthew Middleton, Principal Deputy Communications Director and Director of Research at the Department of the Interior, Lahra Walker, Special Advisor at the Advanced Research Project Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) at the Department of Energy; and Emily Johnson, Managing Director of External Affairs at ClearPath. Each spoke to their own path in and out of Capitol Hill, and the group’s consistent message was that there’s no single route into this line of work, what matters more is staying grounded in the moment and clear on what drives you once you are in it.
All three panelists started in a different place, on the Hill, in a fellowship and in the private sector, yet all three have gone on to make a real mark in the energy field. Overall, the clear message participants were able to take away from the day is, there is a space for you in the energy sector, and the spot for you is more attainable than you think.
CCLP seeks to find and place the next wave of energy talent and give them a start at turning their interest in clean energy into a career. This event and the CCLP program aim to accelerate the careers of America’s most capable emerging talent. And that is how America leads on energy innovation.
If you are on the Hill and your office would benefit from having a ClearPath fellow in your office, reach out to Dana Faught at dana@clearpath.org to learn more.
