Advancing Clean Energy Resources
WHEREAS, the NAACP has adopted Resolutions and Action Items on Environmental and Climate Justice in 1993, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2012 and by action of the board in 2015; and
WHEREAS, fossil fuel based energy production has a disproportionately negative impact on communities of color and low income communities as pollution emitting and health harming facilities such as coal fired power plants and oil refineries are more likely to be located in these communities; and
WHEREAS, the NAACP has recognized that the continued use of non-renewable energy is stressing the planet, causing extreme weather conditions through increasing climate change across the globe that continues to threaten livelihood and lives; and
WHEREAS, the NAACP has resolved to commit to bringing clean energy resources to including wind, solar, and geothermal energy power, to the mainstream of the U.S. economy and lifestyle through research and communications programs and membership committees, and work in renewable energy resources including wind power, solar energy, and geothermal energy and to set a goal of 25 percent of clean energy by 2025, and
WHEREAS, a recent executive order was issued by the President of the United States calling for actions by executive departments and agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent over the next decade while fostering innovation, reduced spending, and strengthening of the clean energy economy; and
WHEREAS, rapid advancements have been made in making clean energy more affordable and accessible to all, especially since the prices of clean produced energy are decreasing in the areas where usage is increasing; and
WHEREAS, there are also large areas of the United States with wind volume conducive to the effective and efficient use of wind turbines for producing power and with sunlight conducive to the effective and efficient use of solar energy; and
WHEREAS, energy efficient and clean energy resources will continue to improve our economy while also protecting our environment; and
WHEREAS, African Americans currently spend a greater proportion of their incomes on energy while being underrepresented in energy sector jobs and wealth building opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the manufacture, distribution, installation and maintenance of wind turbines and solar panels will create tremendous increase in employment opportunities, many of which will be local in nature as systems are designed for local ownership rather than industrial, power-company owned systems; and
WHEREAS, according to a report by the Department of Energy, wind power is on track to provide 20 percent of United States (U.S.) electricity needs by the year 2030 while providing 230,000 new jobs and delivering nearly $200 million to communities from coast to coast, and cutting carbon pollution by 16% and the solar energy sector is on track to provide 30% of US energy by 2050, currently has a job growth rate of 10 times the national employment rate, and includes 2.3 million jobs globally now and 20% growth annually; and
WHEREAS, largely due to the Production Tax Credit, the Department of Energy reports that more than 550 manufacturing facilities located in 43 states produce 70 percent of the wind turbines and components installed in the United States, up from 20 percent in 2006 – 2007.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will support the continued deployment of clean energy resources to include solar and wind power; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP will continue to support programs or policies that provide and ensure affordable access to clean energy options for all; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP will promote policies that mandate specialized and targeted educational programs, preparation and training, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as accommodation for special circumstances, to ensure that systems prioritize access for African American adult and youth capacity building and engagement in clean energy jobs and business opportunities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP will advocate for comprehensive and equitable job training and job placement in the clean energy field for African Americans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP urges government and private sector funding for clean energy job training and placement and supports opportunities for African American business development and ownership in the clean energy sector; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP supports the adoption of legislation supporting the Production Tax Credit for clean energy resources; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP will continue to monitor the growth and development of clean energy and advocate that utility companies be required to allow individuals to install and consume their individual energy needs as a supplement to or as a single source of energy; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the NAACP will transmit this resolution to state legislatures and public utility commissions that are considering clean energy cost allocation policies.