What Now? Preparing for the Political Road Ahead

Hello John,

Every year, our communities face crises: climate disasters, corporate violence, extractive policy decisions, and more.

And 2025 is already ushering in a new storm of calamities: a dangerous federal transition, unprecedented catastrophes, and never-ending corporate blocks to our liberation. Low-income, Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities bear the brunt of these challenges.

We know that it doesn’t have to be this way.

As wildfires, floods, and extraction continue to ravage landscapes and livelihoods, the call for clean, reliable, and local energy solutions grows louder. That’s why, in 2025, we’re doubling down on our commitment to Energy Democracy as a pathway for justice.

Join us for our first webinar series of the year, “What Now for Energy Democracy? Preparing for the Road Ahead” on March 5th and 19th. You’ll log off each panel with critical learnings:

Tools you can use to maintain momentum for Energy Democracy, from available tax credits to innovative organizing strategies
Stories from across the country of hope and steadfast commitment to justice, spanning across zip code, race, and gender
Calls-to-action to help us keep focused in a time of chaos

Selena Feliciano from the REFOCUS campaign will be moderating a panel of inspiring leaders across the country.

Part I: March 5 at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET/3 PM AST - Together with grassroots leaders across the country, we’ll highlight real-world examples of energy democracy driving this movement. Energy is central to our ability to live, work, and thrive. From Alaska to Puerto Rico, we’re making sure that our communities have the tools we need to secure steady heating, cooling, lighting, and safety, year-round. Together, we’re reimagining energy that works for all of us–not just the few at the top–in every season. Hear from our speakers:

HIGHLAND PARK, MI: Monica Booker, Energy Democracy Education Organizer, Soulardarity
LOS ANGELES, CA: Rev. Frank Jackson Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Village Solutions CDC
VIRGINIA: Debbie Piesen, Founder, Living Energy Farm

Part II: March 19 at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET/2 PM AST - We’ll focus on policy blocks and opportunities for Energy Democracy in 2025. You’ll hear from a powerful group of speakers sharing the forecast for policy this year, and the policy opportunities for communities to make sure that all of us — regardless of what we look like or what’s in our wallets — have the resources we need to thrive in a reimagined and equitable energy system. Learn from folks across the country paving the way for new futures:

CALIFORNIA: Jillian Blanchard, Vice President of Climate Change and Environmental Justice, Lawyers 4 Good Government
MAINE: Johanna Bozuwa, Executive Director, Climate and Community Institute
MINNESOTA: Jeremy Kalin, Attorney, Avisen Legal
PUERTO RICO: Ruth Santiago, Counsel/Lawyer, Comité Dialogo Ambiental

Energy Democracy is not just a concept; it's a call to action for systemic change. It's about empowering our communities to chart our own futures, free from the constraints of profit-driven interests. It's about building resilience, safeguarding lives, and ensuring a sustainable future for all. And in the face of climate crises, we’re reimagining energy so that all of us can breathe easy.

With gratitude,
The Energy Democracy Project