Energy Justice

Energy Justice

Energy affordability has reached a crisis level in New York State, with 1.4 million New Yorkers having struggled to pay their energy bills this past winter. Disadvantaged New Yorkers – particularly people of color and low-income – face the greatest burden because they are required to spend, on average, a disproportionate amount of their household income on energy bills. On top of that, they are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient homes that require more energy to heat and cool – raising their energy bills even higher. And given that many of these homes are also plagued with issues such as lead paint, mold, and pests, these households are not eligible for the State’s energy efficiency and clean energy transition programs because they do not cover the cost of remediation required to do this work.

MANHATTAN CLEAN ENERGY HUB
The Manhattan Clean Energy Hub is a virtual resource to help – free of charge – tenants, nonprofits, small businesses, and affordable housing owners in Manhattan learn about low and no-cost renewable energy upgrades that improve indoor air quality and reduce utility costs. We also connect interested jobseekers to clean energy careers. Click here to visit the Manhattan Clean Energy Hub.

CLIMATE JUSTICE WORKING GROUP
Climate change is already causing devastating local and global harm. In New York City, we are facing hotter and deadlier heat waves, more devastating storm damage, and flooding. Centuries of racist disinvestment in communities of color have left us less unprepared and more vulnerable to the negative health impacts of climate change. WE ACT’s Climate Justice Working Group tackles the dual crises of climate change and racism by building community power and taking control of the decisions and the systems that impact our lives. Our actions prioritize the health of our communities through environmental, political, and economic justice.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30-7:30 PM. If you would like to get involved, or simply want to learn more, please sign up here or contact cjwg@weact.org if you have questions.