Efficiency, Accessibility & Affordability

The transition to a decarbonized electricity sector provides an opportunity to invest in reducing energy burdens to systematically ensure an equitable and inclusive future.

The issue of housing related to renewable energy is complex. But for frontline communities, the installation of clean energy could lead to gentrification.

EJ and frontline organizations should determine the types of renewable installations and energy efficient upgrades that should be prioritized in the policy depending on the housing demographics and needs of their communities.

This report that shines a light on energy burden reduction as an important part of the clean energy transition. This report examines fundamental inequities of our current energy landscape and the opportunities to address the issue while our nation considers changes to the power sector.

The pandemic-induced economic crisis has led to a range of approaches to protect vulnerable ratepayers from utility shutoffs. This brief sets forth a set of policy recommendations for policymakers and advocates concerning utility shutoffs and consumer protections in the midst and the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving your community from dirty coal, nuclear, etc. into clean and renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, will not only increase health and wellness but also economic opportunities like green jobs and apprenticeships. Renewable and clean energy technologies present great opportunities for your Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Committee or team and community to reclaim the electric grid, build wealth, protect health, and strengthen community democracy. Through a number of policies, a community free from the burdens of the fossil fuel economy is possible!

Sometimes we need to see the fruits of our labor a little faster than other types of energy justice initiatives, like changing laws, etc. Sometimes you just want to get into the work, get your hands dirty, and make change happen. While energy efficiency, retrofitting, and weatherization projects take time and resources to organize, they are projects that will give your Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Committee a feeling of accomplishment sooner than other projects.

As the transportation sector is the leading cause of carbon emissions in many states, 100% policies should include strong electric vehicle programs and clean mobil- ity infrastructure.

Building electrification and building decarbonization should be prioritized. Energy efficiency should be included in the 100% policy, but the burden to change behavior should not be placed on frontline communities.

Advocates need to factor in historic discriminatory land use practices and policies and ensure that the 100% renewables policy shifts away from environmental racism in land use.

Many of California’s most vulnerable communities have not seen the benefits of our booming green economy, yet have suffered the most from the health effects of nearby power plants & dirty energy industries

The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program provides financial incentives for installing photovoltaic (PV) energy systems on multifamily affordable housing. The program will deliver clean power and credits on energy bills to hundreds of thousands of California’s affordable housing residents. SOMAH’s unique, community-based approach ensures long-term, direct economic benefits for low-income households, helps catalyze the market for solar on multifamily housing and creates jobs.