New Energy Justice Policy Launched!

On September 7th, Chapter Chair Jade Moss hosted the launch of the Hawaiʻi Chapter Executive Committee’s new Energy Justice Policy on Facebook Live. She was joined by Vice-Chair, Kauʻi Pratt Aquino and Chapter Organizer, Lauren Ballesteros Watanabeto; they went over the content of the policy, which outlines Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi’s commitment to making a “Just Transition” (from exploitative and extractive practices to a reinvestment in local communities), ending environmental racism, supporting distributed community-scale energy, and more. The hour-long event spotlighted the intention and context of each section crafted by executive committee members and energy sector allies.

The goal of the policy, and event, is to offer a comprehensive framework that outlines the injustices of our current system, and set forth a vision for a decentralized power system aligned with the values of our members and the broader community. It is not meant to serve as a technical guide to energy systems but rather serves as the analytical lens by which the Chapter takes positions and guides grassroots organizing efforts around all issues, especially energy justice.

Lauren hosted a little talk story with Jade and Kauʻi after the formal presentation to shed a little light on their extensive work with the Sierra Club and what got them involved in the first place. It is through these conversations we get a better understanding of the hopes and motives of our leaders and the future we are building together.

See the presentation: Download the slides (PDF) and watch a recording of the event here.