Governance and oversight to meet equity and justice goals
EJ organizations and frontline leaders should not only be considered organizing leaders, but technical experts with skills and expertise in developing equitable energy policies.
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100% regenerative energy policies should include language on governance and oversight that requires regular reporting to ensure that the policy is meeting its goals, particularly on equity and justice. There should be decision-making and oversight to ensure investments are being made in BIPOC and frontline communities. And there should be regular reporting on whether renewable energy is reaching low-income communities.
Policy recommendations
Oversight Boards and Technical Advisory Groups should be formed:
Push for appointment processes that meet specific requirements:
- Ensure authentic community representation as determined by local BIPOC and frontline groups
- Governors who historically make appointments should consult with EJ communities, rural, and tribal groups on appointments
- Include enforceable conflict of interest clauses
- Require reports and recommendations on the 100% regenerative policy
Push for participatory budgeting and implementation:
- BIPOC and frontline communities should be trained on developing the budget for, advocating for, and implementing the funds for the 100% regenerative policy.
- Budgets of agencies should be made available. Agencies should highlight what parts of budget spending are on the backs of ratepayers.
Examples
Example House Bill 2242 Oregon: The Oregon Public Utility Commission established the Office of the Low-Income and Environmental Justice Advocate with the following policy elements:
- “Responsible for representing low-income and environmental justice communities in the proceedings of the commission;
- Shall be a person who has significant background and experience working in low-income and environmental justice communities, with an emphasis on experience in evaluating the impacts of energy burdens on low-income and environmental justice communities;
- May, upon exercise of the independent judgement of the office, intervene as of right as an interested party or otherwise participate in the proceeding.
- Shall convene a low-income and environmental justice advisory group to advise the Office of the Low-Income and Environmental Justice Advocate;
- Provide a report that: (1) Shall include a description and assessment of the work of
- the office, including any major milestones accomplished by the office; and (2) May include recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, for changes to the form or function of the office including, but not limited to, recommendations for increasing the staff or other resources available to the office.”[1]