Question 1

AI and Data Center Environmental Impacts

Accepted Answer

We analyze the environmental and community impacts of AI infrastructure and data centers, including significant energy consumption, water usage for cooling systems, land use changes, and effects on local communities. We help communities understand how these rapidly expanding technologies create environmental justice concerns, particularly around energy burden and resource strain. Our work includes gathering evidence from affected communities, conducting research on facility impacts, and supporting communities in permit proceedings and policy discussions. We also examine how AI decision-making systems may impact environmental governance, including when governments or companies delegate regulatory responsibilities to AI systems, and the implications for community participation in environmental decision-making.

Question 2

Climate Adaptation and Resilient Infrastructure

Accepted Answer

We provide technical assistance and innovative project development for multi-use solutions that build climate resilience while addressing community needs. Our work focuses on integrated systems that work with natural ecosystems - combining renewable energy infrastructure with native landscaping, food production, flood controls, and other multi-functional designs. We help communities incorporate climate resilience into their existing spaces or develop new infrastructure that can operate independently while serving multiple community priorities through ecosystem-based resilience strategies.

Question 3

Community Engagement and Energy Research

Accepted Answer

We conduct community-centered research on energy systems and their environmental impacts, helping communities access the scientific evidence they need for decision-making. We specialize in making technical information accessible, developing toolkits and educational resources that build community capacity for engaging in energy and environmental issues. Our approach combines rigorous data analysis with community-based participatory research methods, ensuring that research serves community priorities and builds local technical confidence. We support communities in understanding complex energy facility impacts, policy implications, and opportunities for community-driven solutions.

Question 4

Community Solar and Renewable Energy Projects

Accepted Answer

We work alongside communities in renewable energy development through comprehensive project support from initial research through implementation. We help communities navigate the complex process of solar development, including site assessment, financing research, utility interconnection requirements, contractor selection, and regulatory processes. Our work includes helping communities research funding opportunities, supporting relationships with landowners and utilities, and ensuring projects align with community priorities and environmental justice principles.

Question 5

Energy Justice and Utility Policy Research

Accepted Answer

We combine technical expertise with community research to address systemic energy inequities across the energy lifecycle. We conduct research and policy analysis on utility disconnection practices, energy facility pollution impacts, coal ash contamination, nuclear waste concerns, gas flaring, and transportation-related energy impacts. Our work addresses waste and pollution from energy production, processing, transportation, and disposal that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. We help communities understand utility regulations and energy facility permits, engage in policy discussions, and build power around energy justice issues through evidence-based analysis and community engagement strategies.

Question 6

Sustainability Assessment and Environmental Justice Analysis

Accepted Answer

We provide technical guidance and analysis to identify critical gaps in sustainability assessments, greenhouse gas accounting, and environmental systems evaluations. We specialize in examining projects and systems through an environmental justice and energy justice lens, identifying community-level impacts that are often overlooked in traditional sustainability reports and assessments. Our work includes evaluating proposed systems like bamboo plantations, renewable energy projects, and other sustainability initiatives to ensure they consider energy justice implications and community impacts. We help organizations understand how their sustainability efforts may inadvertently create or perpetuate environmental injustices, providing technical guidance to develop more comprehensive and equitable approaches that center community priorities and address systemic inequities.

How We Help