Solar Industry Policy Principles on Environmental Justice & Equity
Public policy and government action, whether at the local, state, or federal level, will be critical to tackling the climate crisis and building a clean energy future in America. As an industry that deploys clean, reliable, affordable electricity, SEIA recognizes the critical role for environmental justice in these policy discussions, and the need for climate solutions to take into account the disproportionate impacts felt by frontline communities.
The transition to a clean energy economy must be centered around justice and equity for all Americans and support communities that have historically been left behind by environmental policies. But we can only achieve this just and equitable transition through intentional advocacy that prioritizes environmental justice and creates regenerative, sustainable economic wealth in local communities.
To this end, we have developed principles for advocacy and a policy platform that SEIA and our members will follow as we work with elected officials and other stakeholders to create the equitable energy future we so badly need.
Additional Resources
- Black Owners of Solar Services (BOSS) recently published the BOSS Policy Brief, detailing a variety of key policy opportunities to expand solar access, ensure workforce and leadership diversity, and support frontline communities in solar development.
- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a beta version of its Energy Justice Dashboard, a data visualization tool that provides transparency and clarity on how DOE funding and investments are distributed to overburdened and underserved communities.
