States Initiatives
Powering Change: States Leading the Way on Energy Affordability
Just Solutions recently hosted our first National Energy Affordability Convening, a two-day virtual strategy space that brought together more than 20 leaders from state-based climate justice coalitions and organizations across California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Together, we explored how to make energy affordable, reliable, and equitable, and how frontline communities can lead…
Polluter Pays: A Pathway to Affordability and Financing Climate Justice
By Jennifer Moon & Brandon Dawson – States and localities are leading the way towards holding fossil fuel interests accountable for the climate damage they cause. They are sending a message that communities will not bear the costs for the harm caused by others. Whether it’s through legislation related to environmental damage from past climate…
Heating Up: Higher Utility Bills and Fewer Options for Assistance for Washington & Oregon Customers
It is summer and energy bills are rising along with temperatures, increasing many people’s concerns about keeping the lights—and air conditioning—on. Despite comparatively low electricity rates in the Pacific Northwest fueled by hydroelectric sources, energy costs are rising and the associated financial burden on low-income households is quite high in Oregon and Washington. Meanwhile, federal…
The Crucial Role of State Climate Justice Advocates in Challenging Times
As the federal government moves in a direction that threatens to undo recent historic investments as well as decades of progress on climate policy, particularly for Frontline communities disproportionately impacted by climate change, the power of state action is even more vital. While we watch with anger and trepidation the rapid and aggressive dismantling, state…
Increasing Energy Efficiency, Lowering Costs, and Resolving Housing Challenges for Lower-Income People in Michigan
Just Solutions, along with many of our partners, urges the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to require that the home mortgages they back meet updated energy efficiency standards. As the FHFA oversees the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, such action would bring about 70% of mortgages for new homes in the U.S.…
Introducing the “Michigan Solutions for All” Campaign
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represent significant federal investments in climate and infrastructure. To ensure these benefits reach the communities that need them most, targeted efforts are essential. Just Solutions is proud to partner with the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) to co-lead the “Michigan Solutions for…
