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Journal of Science Policy & Governance | Volume 18, Issue 03 | August 30, 2021

Policy Position Paper: Without Environmental Justice, the Renewable Energy Transition Will Leave Low-Income and BIPOC Communities Behind

Carolyn E. Ramírez

Northwestern University, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Evanston, IL

Corresponding Author: CRamirez@u.northwestern.edu 
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https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG180306
Keywords: environmental justice; climate change; energy equity; renewable energy
Executive Summary: As extreme weather events become more common in the United States due to the worsening effects of climate change, access to utilities like electricity and water will be continually strained. Blackouts and intermittent utility interruptions impact low-income and communities of color most negatively. While renewable energy technologies promise alleviation of emissions and pollution, high cost and a lack of equitable energy infrastructure make it harder for low-income and communities of color to access renewable energy benefits. I propose a series of policies to address the cost barriers of renewable energy, improve reliability and access to power grids, and standardize household weatherization for people from all communities.

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Carolyn E. Ramírez is a Ph.D. candidate in chemical engineering at Northwestern University. Their research in Michael Wasielewski’s lab focuses on identifying and characterizing unique organic semiconductors for use in solar cells. Carolyn is a founding member of their department’s anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and a member of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Carolyn is also involved in advocacy and mutual aid work on campus. She hopes to incorporate both policy work and science communication throughout her career.
 
Acknowledgements
C.E.R. would like to thank the Northwestern Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) for support, revisions, and edits.
 
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