Spring 2012

Energy Democracy: Supporting Community Innovation

The Center for Social Inclusion (CSI) has developed a white paper on Energy Democracy, which means tackling climate and energy issues at the community level in ways that meet community and create multiple benefits for people, places and the nation.

Energy democracy requires political and corporate leaders to change how they think about energy policy. This white paper highlights some of the barriers and proposes solutions with an emphasis on ways that communities of color can fully participate in creating a clean energy economy.

New technologies like wind, solar, and geothermal are cleaner and will not run out. They can also fuel new economic growth. A brighter future based on renewable energy cannot happen unless local communities can innovate how to develop and share renewable energy solutions.

Energy democracy seeks to ensure that everyone can participate in clean energy programs. Much of the current energy policy in the US focuses on rewarding individuals for lower carbon lifestyles—conserving energy or switching to alternatives like rooftop PVs. Far too small a percentage of Americans can take advantage of these policies, including the fastest growing populations, which are communities of color.

To download a copy of the white paper, visit the Center for Social Inclusion website:
http://www.centerforsocialinclusion.org/energy-democracy-supporting-community-innovation/