Peggy Shepard

We've also developed strong, strong policy agendas at the city, state and federal levels based on community perspectives, experience and the evolving transition from a fossil fuel economy.

And these are tactics that can be applied within local contexts in any community.

So as we transition to renewable energy sources, we know that energy insecurity will impact millions more households as utility bills increase.

And to decarbonize buildings, a pre-investment will be needed to upgrade residential buildings in frontline communities before electrification of all buildings will be achieved.

So I challenge you.

to create the change we need by incorporating equity and lived experience into all public and government policies.

My vision is to redress the legacy of pollution by targeting frontline communities, not for pollution, but to become green zones, green zones where we can incentivize community-shared solar, electrification, green businesses, good jobs and worker cooperatives.

Because today we are at an inflection point with an opportunity to achieve that vision.

You know, the Biden administration has committed to centering environmental justice in all government policies through an executive order that directs at least 40 percent of the benefits from federal investments in clean energy to go to disadvantaged communities.

So there is an opportunity to implement a transformative and accountable process for the fair and just distribution of benefits of Justice 40 to frontline communities of black, brown, and indigenous peoples.

But we must make certain that the investments and the benefits reach the communities intended, given the bias and ambivalence of many state and local governments.

But if done effectively, this could be transformative and could stop the cycle of exploitation and extraction.

Every community, every community has the right to a clean environment, and you do not need to be an environmental champion or a climate justice leader to embrace that value.

So I call on your humanity.

to center the voices and perspectives in all policies of those most affected by environmental hazards and climate change.

We can create a legacy of environmental quality and climate resilience for all.

We can do this, and we must.

Thank you.