City Ballot Initiatives: A New Tool for Clean Energy Equity (Episode 58)
Originally Published at ilsr.org.
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In this episode, ILSR’s Co-Director, John Farrell, is joined by Alan Hipólito of Verde. Alan joins several activists in leading the fight for clean energy equity in Portland, Oregon. To move this goal at the local level, Verde participates in a coalition campaigning for an important ballot initiative this year.The proposed policy could raise an impressive $30 million a year through a 1% surcharge levied on big business. It would help ensure an equitable transition to 100% renewable energy, a goal Portland committed to in 2017.
Alan and fellow organizers have brought together a broad coalition of grassroots organizations representing communities on the frontlines of climate change. Their efforts have resulted in more than 300 endorsement statements for the ballot initiative, more than any previous ballot initiative in Portland! With elections less than a week away, Alan explains why it’s critical to invest in climate solutions targeting low income and people of color.
