Equity

President Biden’s climate change law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), set aside $720 million in funding for tribal governments to improve energy efficiency and develop more resilient energy strategies. This funding, alongside other resources provided by IRA programs, strengthens tribal governments and helps reduce the widespread energy poverty present in their communities. Head to Legal Planet to get additional information on IRA provisions. 

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To mitigate the impact of extreme heat, flooding, and other weather-related incidents, the Department of Energy (DOE) encourages investment in energy-efficient technology to improve climate resilience. The DOE helps communities become safer, more equitable, and economically stronger by providing resources through its Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Learn more on DOE’s website.

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A report from the California Council on Science & Technology states investing in energy-efficient technologies “will pay dividends in the form of energy cost savings over the long run.” To accomplish energy initiatives effectively, state, local, and regional agencies must work together and prioritize environmental justice and equity. Keep reading to learn what other insights are included the report. 

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Legislation passed in 2022 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop income-graduated fixed charges (IGFCs) for residential electricity bills by 2025. Rebalancing rates through IGFCs will alleviate some of the burden customers in households navigating low incomes bear related to funding utility operations. Coupled with reduced volumetric rates, these changes will more fairly fund the state’s energy and climate policies. Keep reading to better understand CPUC’s proposed rate reform.

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To help mitigate the negative impact federal agencies have on the environment, President Biden signed an executive order to set up a new Office of Environmental Justice. The office will hold federal agencies responsible for harmful environmental health impacts on communities and work with them to prevent future harm. Discover what other environmental justice initiatives were announced.

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The Justice40 and Equity in Energy initiatives guide the development of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) policies addressing the historical negligence of disadvantaged, disinvested and environmental justice communities. Learn how DOE’s energy justice division is paying special attention to how the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act can benefit underserved communities equitably. 

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President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act advances the Justice40 Initiative by providing $370 billion to fund clean energy solutions. The newly released guidebook explains the tax incentives and investment programs related to the law. Read on to access one-page summaries of each programs’ eligible uses, learn about potential beneficiaries and find other important information.

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The White House Council on Environmental Quality announced the launch of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool in November. The online, interactive map uses census data to help federal agencies identify areas most in need of climate and sustainability investment. It’s part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative to deliver 40% of federal environmental funds to communities overburdened by pollution and historic underinvestment.

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The Department of Energy’s Equity Action Plan will help the agency create a more inclusive and diverse environment. This plan, made up of five strategic energy goals, puts equity and justice at the center of all the agency’s activities going forward. 

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