City residents that could be most impacted by decarbonization policies may not be part of the conversation as they’re developed. The creators of the Equitable Building Electrification Fund believe that decision-making power in the energy transition needs to shift.
The fund was formed by environmental justice organizers and energy affordability advocates and is backed by philanthropies, including the cities-focused Kresge Foundation. It awards money to community-based organizations working to support people impacted by pollution and for whom the cost and process of electrifying are burdensome. While recent federal actions like the Inflation Reduction Act added some financial breaks and incentives for property owners to decarbonize their homes, barriers remain.
