Justice-Centered Systems Change

Engages in advocacy to promote policies and secure additional funding programs that support climate resilience, sustainable development, and community-led climate action in the Hudson Valley.

Organizes refrigerant appliance recycling drives to prevent the release of potent greenhouse gases, including a program in Ulster County that collected over 400 units from residents.

Hosts community workshops, provides group purchase discounts, and supports DIY projects to accelerate adoption of rooftop solar, home battery storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. These efforts are implemented through EnergyCorps intern programs and include events like the Clean Power Guide Expo.

Implements a two-year educational initiative on solar energy, battery storage, electrical grids, and utility bills to increase community understanding and adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Collaborates with Ulster County and other partners to develop a Circular Economy Strategic Plan, supports reuse-based industries for building materials and textiles, and convenes the annual Circular Economy Summit. Also conducted research and published a feasibility study for the Reuse Innovation Center.

Conducts community conversations to identify local priorities for the use of financial resources made available through the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Supports community-led projects such as Resilience Hubs, Repair Cafés, and peer-to-peer communication networks. Also organizes book discussion groups and planning webinars based on “Prepared Neighborhoods” to strengthen local emergency preparedness and self-reliance.

Establishes biochar demonstration plots on nine farms and promotes its use in urban land management to support carbon dioxide removal and soil health.

Organizes the annual Climate Solutions Week featuring over 60 events and expanded media coverage, along with regional summits and the Climate Solutions Summit to promote peer-to-peer learning and community engagement on climate action.

Distributes educational materials such as the Clean Power Guide, fact sheets, curricula, and expert speakers to inform communities about clean energy adoption, climate policy, and sustainability strategies. The 2024 Clean Power Guide reached over 75,000 people online and included print distribution of 10,000 copies in partnership with Chronogram Media.

Supports municipalities in developing climate action plans, including creating the first 100% Renewable Energy Action Plan for Marbletown and developing a model refrigerant management program for the City of Kingston that can be replicated by other local governments.

Produces and publishes annual Impact Reports (2022–2025), the UGREEN Year One Report, and other research publications such as the 100% Renewable Energy Action Plan and reports on community resilience to inform stakeholders and document program outcomes.

Operates Project RESTORE, a leadership development program in partnership with Rotary, focused on building community capacity for resilient environmental strategies and climate action.

Operates an employment and mentoring program in partnership with IBEW to train individuals in clean energy technologies and prepare them for careers in the clean energy sector.

Organizes and supports Repair Cafés across 68–72 communities in the Hudson Valley, where volunteers repair household items to extend product lifespans and reduce waste. In 2024, these events prevented over 6,000 items from entering landfills.

Leads community organizing and advocacy efforts against the 215-acre Shepherd's Run Solar Project in Copake and Craryville, NY, including mobilizing public participation, hosting workshops, and coordinating public comment campaigns.

Files detailed letters, petitions, and technical submissions to ORES, NYSERDA, and other state agencies identifying deficiencies in the Shepherd's Run solar project's permit application, including fire risks, environmental impacts, evacuation safety, and procedural violations.

Advocates for the adoption of a broad, rising carbon tax as the primary policy mechanism to decarbonize the U.S. and global economy. Promotes upstream carbon taxation at the point of extraction or importation and argues for its superiority over alternative climate policies such as divestment or cap-and-trade.