TL/DR –
Jessica Shirley, Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is set to deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium. Shirley, who has over a decade of leadership and policy experience at DEP, will discuss building a more resilient Pennsylvania in response to climate change. The symposium, organized by the Penn State Climate Consortium, will occur over three days and include presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for those advancing climate solutions.
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Jessica Shirley Set to Speak at 2026 Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium
On May 20th, Jessica Shirley, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary, is slated to give the keynote address at the 2026 Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium. Shirley will discuss the strategies for fostering a greener and more climate-resilient Pennsylvania.
Building a Resilient Pennsylvania
“We are keen to take forward our collaborative efforts, in conjunction with various state agencies as well as our numerous partners striving for a resilient Pennsylvania and the world,” expressed Shirley. She further expressed her anticipation about discussing the ways in which different sectors within the commonwealth could co-operate to build resilience and tackle climate change challenges.
The Role of Jessica Shirley
In her role as the DEP secretary, Shirley is at the forefront of fulfilling the department’s mission of safeguarding Pennsylvania’s environmental assets while promoting sustainable and equitable practices. Her extensive leadership and policy experience within the DEP, spanning over a decade, greatly inform her approach to her role.
Pennsylvania’s Climate and Infrastructure Advancement
Shirley’s keynote address coincides with Pennsylvania’s significant progress in climate and infrastructure investments, with increasing focus on solutions that empower communities, bolster the economy, and address environmental challenges across the state.
Prior Experience
Before her appointment as the DEP secretary, Shirley served in various roles within the DEP, including executive deputy secretary and the department’s first infrastructure implementation coordinator. In these roles, she was responsible for overseeing federal investments from acts such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring they yielded environmental and economic advantages statewide, especially in historically underinvested communities.
From 2016 to 2022, Shirley influenced the commonwealth’s environmental and energy policy as the DEP policy director. She played a crucial part in crafting executive orders on climate change, PFAS, energy conservation, and environmental justice. Her efforts led to the establishment of Pennsylvania’s first greenhouse gas reduction goal and broadened engagement with underserved communities.
Education Background
Shirley’s educational credentials boast a master’s degree in public administration from Penn State and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
About the Symposium
The 2026 Climate Solutions Symposium is a three-day event spanning May 18-20 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. Attendees can look forward to a keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with fellow climate solution advocates, including researchers, funders, policymakers, and practitioners.
The event is coordinated by the Penn State Climate Consortium.
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