Solar Sisters: Fighting for Equitable Clean Energy
Solar power is a bright spot in California’s economy, bringing jobs and economic development to every corner of the state.
On this International Women’s Day, we honor the solar sisters of the California Environmental Justice Alliance and our allies, the women fighting on the frontlines to advance a cleaner and greener economy for environmental justice communities across the state.
These women are the fearless advocates behind groundbreaking energy policies that are bridging the green divide by expanding solar to the communities that need it the most.
Last year, AB 693 by Assemblymember Susan Eggman created the nation’s largest program aimed at increasing solar access for low-income residents, that secures $1 billion to install solar directly on multifamily affordable homes and provides the economic benefits of energy savings to low-income renters.
We will continue to fight for equitable solar access and local clean energy for our communities, families, and children.
“When my kids’ asthma flare up, all I see is the trail of oil refineries, smokestacks and diesel trucks. This mom has every right to demand clean energy now and bring the power of sunshine to environmental justice communities.”
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“The human beings on the frontlines of our fossil-fueled energy system have been suffering the system’s burdens for far too long. Solar power holds the promise of system change, where the most impacted communities can power the future, and in the face of climate threats, turn burdens into clean community assets. I am honored to work with the women building this power.”
“Clean air is a basic human right, yet the fossil fuel economy is consuming our children’s lungs. From San Diego all the way to the Magdalena River in Colombia, big polluters have a climate debt with my community. Our resources are not endless, and local clean energy is key to a comprehensive solution.”
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“Communities at the fence line of polluting facilities deserve better. Transitioning to clean technology like solar and other renewable energy can pave the path to healthier communities and at the same time create sustainable and vibrant economies. I am proud to work with so many powerful women to help make this vision a reality.”
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“Climate change is devastating to communities locally and all over the world. Women, children, elders, indigenous, low income, and communities of color are hit first and worst. We are also the most resilient. We have the solutions for a just transition from polluting and profit driven industries towards a local, clean, just energy economy. As a mother, this is why I fight.”
“Our fight for community owned renewable energy in low-income communities is the fight for equity, health, and better lives for working families and our children. We see a different future; we see thousands of jobs, cleaner air, and equitable climate solutions that build resilient neighborhoods able to not just weather the coming storms of climate change, but to thrive.”
“Our fossil fueled economy exports jobs while making our communities sick. Meanwhile massive amounts of sunshine could be converted into local jobs. My dream is to make solar energy as commonplace as toaster ovens. It should be one of our top priorities to give everyone the choice and opportunity to benefit from this clean energy revolution.”
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“Dirty energy does not only harm the well-being of our people, but also the well-being of our mother earth. It is our responsibility to fight for clean energy that benefits all communities, especially those who have been the most vulnerable and have suffered from pollution caused by power plants and dirty energy industries. Together we can transform our neighborhoods! We will not stop until we bring renewable energy resources to build cleaner, safer, healthier communities!”
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“I am fighting for my daughter, for future generations, and for communities that are most impacted by climate change and dirty energy. The fossil fuel industry has controlled our energy system for too long, profiting off of and making our communities sick. I want to blanket environmental justice communities with solar to bring health and economic vitality to these neighborhoods and let historically voiceless communities chart their own energy future.”
“I fight for 100% clean energy for 100% of our families because it is the only solution to protect the people and the places we love from the dangers of a hotter and drier climate. I also believe that women are the key warriors to making this fundamental change happen in our communities.”
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“Historically, the majority of people who have solar panels on their roof come from a higher socioeconomic background. Everyone in California, regardless of their background, who would like to be a part of the green energy revolution, should be able to do so. Solar provides economic and environmental benefits that can uplift communities like mine.”
