Massachusetts Innovates, the Old-Fashioned Way.
By: Ron Ruggiero
What happens when you combine cutting edge clean energy policy with the tried-and-true principles of community engagement? Just ask the Green Justice Coalition, which convenes the Massachusetts Apollo Alliance.
Over the past several months, the Green Justice Coalition tackled the thorny issue of how to make the utilities’ energy efficiency programs both more equitable and effective. They knew that they could make these programs create solid economic development and high quality jobs in their communities, save families money on their utility bills, and do their part to tackle climate change.
That’s when they came up with their winning recipe: add one part innovative policy, mix it with another part mobilized community, and then get some unusual cooks together into the same kitchen to put on the finishing touches.
According to Darlene Lombos, co-director of Community Labor United, “We are about to see what the green economy can look like when unions, community based organizations in working class communities of color, and environmental organizations work together. The utility companies are going to guarantee all the key ingredients an equitable green economy needs: High job quality, up front financing for working class families, and community based mobilization. Partnerships really are a winning strategy.”
What is fueling Ms. Lombos’ excitement? On October 27, 2009, Massachusetts adopted a $1.4 billion plan that will:
–create high-quality jobs in the state’s highest unemployment communities;
–provide up-front financing so that low- and moderate-income families can afford to do deep retrofits of their residences and maximize their savings;
–cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Given our current economic troubles, the promise of not simply “jobs” or even “green jobs”, but good green jobs creation is welcome news to many, including Rich Rogers, Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Boston Labor Council and Community Labor United Board Chair. ““In the middle of a jobless recession and a jobless recovery, this Green Justice Coalition is about to create, not just ‘green jobs’ but access to union careers in a rapidly expanding green economy. We are committed to making green jobs good jobs.” In fact, the plan passed on October 27th includes provisions to ensure that quality contractors are used to do the work–which will maximize the economic development of the program.
At Apollo, our hats are off to our Massachusetts Apollo Alliance and the Green Justice Coalition for helping to make such a victory possible. They are proving possible the Apollo vision of combining strong energy policy with an economic development plan and brought to fruition by a broad and diverse coalition of unlikley partners.
To learn more visit or to learn more about Community Labor United go here