ReImagine Appalachia is changing the conversation around the energy transition by prioritizing communities. This innovative coalition of labor unions, environmental advocates, community organizations, and policymakers works across states in the Ohio River Valley of Appalachia to ensure that the shift to clean energy doesn’t leave anyone behind.
They use a holistic approach to building a just energy future by addressing interconnected economic justice, environmental restoration, and community resilience issues. They help communities negotiate Community Benefits Agreements with renewable energy developers and ensure residents receive tangible benefits like jobs and sustainable infrastructure from the renewable energy sector. Through town halls, policy advocacy, or grassroots organizing, they also create spaces for marginalized communities to lead decision-making processes.
To learn more about their inspiring work and how you can support their efforts, visit ReImagine Appalachia’s website. Read their Blueprint, a visionary roadmap for building a just, equitable, and sustainable economy in the region. This comprehensive plan outlines how Appalachia can transition from its historical reliance on coal and fossil fuels to a future powered by clean energy, good jobs, and thriving communities.