Friend,

The Inflation Reduction Act is bringing historic funding to the clean energy transition, but it's not enough to just pour billions of dollars into the economy. 

We also have to direct that money toward those who need it the most.

That's where Justice40 comes in—ensuring at least 40 percent of the benefits from federal climate investments go to communities that have been historically underserved and overburdened by pollution. 

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with my colleague Dr. Shelley Francis from EVHybridNoire. Alongside other collaborators, we published a report on one of the first major uses of Justice40 in the U.S., showing how it can work to benefit communities. We shared the dos and don'ts of thoughtful, effective Justice40 implementation, and discussed how states can work with impacted communities to get the most out of federal funding.

Our conversation ranged from addressing environmental justice in the transportation sector to what communities and a box of chocolates have in common! 

I learned so much from Dr. Francis, including new ways to think about public engagement and equitable planning, and I'm confident you will too. 

Sincerely,

Rachel Patterson

Deputy Director of Policy

Evergreen Collaborative