Energy is among the largest sources of man-made climate pollution in the world. Low income and frontline communities are directly impacted by energy systems, but their voices are seldom included in technical proceedings where decisions are made about their energy sources and costs.
The transition to a clean energy future needs to proceed urgently, at a massive scale, to make a difference against climate change and the quality of life in these communities.
Working closely with partners and community members, we can change the way energy regulators get information and, therefore, how huge energy decisions are made. Our approach will enable the voices of people affected by utility actions to be considered as evidence in utility rate cases.
We are in a unique window of opportunity as clean energy is affordable and widely available and the Inflation Reduction Act offers historic investment in the transition to clean energy.
Naomi is the visionary behind BIG’s Sustainable Square Mile initiative. She is the proud granddaughter of Mississippi sharecroppers who – like 7 million others – voted with their feet and moved “UpSouth” for freedom and economic opportunity during the Great Migration. Naomi believes Black communities can thrive by recreating the walkable villages of the Great Migration era, while also embracing the transition to a clean energy economy.
Jennifer plays an essential role on the Legal and Regulatory team ensuring that key audiences understand, support and participate in achieving strategies and objectives, expanding EDF’s capacity to achieve policy goals and drive impact.
Khadeya is an attorney with experience in energy utility regulation, environmental justice, and criminal law. In her work with EDF’s energy markets and utility regulation team, Khadeya helps to ensure that public utility plans, programs and investments are aligned with climate and energy justice goals.
Jolette, a former Public Utility Commissioner, leads efforts to improve and reform wholesale energy markets. She also works to advance EDF’s energy objectives before state public utility commissions. Jolette is co-author of a series of reports with the Massachusetts Attorney General and other stakeholders on recommendations for how to improve equity, inclusivity, and transparency in state energy agency processes and decisions.
Christie’s work at EDF focused on reducing reliance on natural gas, and fostering markets and regulatory structures that allow clean energy resources to flourish, avoiding over-investment in unnecessary gas infrastructure and reducing emissions from gas transmission and distribution systems. Christie pioneered techniques for enabling community expert testimony to be considered in rate cases alongside technical expert testimony. The Community Voices is Energy website was Christie's brainchild.
