Renewable Energy Policy Project
Resolution On Sustainable Energy and Low-Income and Minority CommunitiesNews Advisory
November 2, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Virinder Singh, Renewable Energy Policy Project - 202-293-2898, x205
GROUPS UNITE TO CHAMPION CLEAN ENERGY TO BENEFIT LOW-INCOME AND MINORITY COMMUNITIES
Energy, Environmental Justice, Consumer and National Environmental Groups Outline Fair Energy Policies to Avoid Future Crises
New York; San Antonio; Washington, DC - In a unique partnership, a diverse, national coalition of groups joined forces to address the disproportionate impacts of current energy practices on low-income and minority communities. The groups signed a resolution on the social and environmental problems associated with energy supply, including environmental health, affordability, and economic development.
"Energy bills account for up to a third of a poor household's expenses. When oil and electricity prices rise, low-income communities have to rely on unsteady funding to get by-and sometimes they must do without," said Larry Chretien of the Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance. "That's little security when you need light, heat, and cooling to live. Energy efficiency goes a long way to give citizens that security."
Over fifty groups signed the "Resolution on Sustainable Energy and Low-Income and Minority Communities" to urge greater community participation in energy policymaking. The "Resolution" points to the need for an increased national commitment to energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and clean fuels to meet mounting economic and environmental threats. Supporting groups range from the Indigenous Environmental Network to Natural Resources Defense Council and the Corporation for Enterprise Development.
"Kids in low-income areas suffer disproportionately from asthma and mercury from energy use, while communities of color are unfairly saddled with big power plants that reduce property values and squeeze out other activities," said Mathy Stanislaus of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. "At the same time, large power plants are ready to come into urban neighborhoods that can least resist them. We have a problem on our hands, and it's ready to get worse. It's time to champion alternatives that meet community needs."
From California to New York, fossil fuel power plants located in low-income and minority communities are running more to meet power shortages in cities. Calls for more oil supply, rather than reduced demand, are spurring oil refineries to run with reduced maintenance, making the threat of toxic leaks and accidents in neighborhoods worse than before.
"It's a double whammy-the communities most adversely affected by energy-related pollution are the communities least able to purchase that energy," said Enrique Valdivia of the Esperanza Environmental Justice Project in San Antonio. "We must build a just energy system that cuts energy waste through efficiency programs targeting low income consumers and invests in renewable resources."
"In Indian Country, coal and uranium have been exploited with destructive consequences to both the environment and community health, while Indian people pay disproportionately higher prices for that energy," explained Robert Gough of the Intertribal Council on Utility Policy. "Fortunately we are blessed with wind and solar energy. We can easily harness this energy to create more local jobs while respecting the cultural and spiritual values we place on our land."
According to Karl R. Rábago, Managing Director of the Rocky Mountain Institute and member of REPP's Board of Directors, "Renewable energy and energy efficiency are ready to empower communities of all kinds with clean energy solutions. They are already in the marketplace, and they can reach even more people through enlightened policies. These technologies-rooftop solar panels, small fuel cells, and efficient air conditioners and appliances-can provide total energy solutions at the right scale, as an alternative to big power plants forced into unwilling communities."
The Resolution along with a list of supporting groups and an extensive fact summary are available electronically at http://www.repp.org.
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A Message From REPP
Over 50 diverse groups from across the United States have come together to express common concerns and solutions for our energy system.Press Release Resolution Recommendations Supporters Fact Summary