November 13, 2020
How Renewable Energy Policy Can Follow the Lead of Environmental Justice Activism
Janiece Watts
Policy Associate, Fresh Energy - Energy Access and Equity Program
Ben Passer
Director, Fresh Energy - Energy Access and Equity Program
Description
In order for Fresh Energy, an independent energy policy organization, to find our role in the environmental justice movement, we have to ask ourselves questions that examine the way we do our work. From the policies we advocate for, to internal organizational goals, how will this examination contribute to a shift in how we view access to clean energy? What are the benefits for social equity? Where does that place us in the fight for climate and environmental justice? Janiece Watts and Ben Passer will discuss!
Bio
Janiece Watts: As a policy associate with the Energy Access and Equity program, Janiece plays a key role that is working to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota’s energy system. Janiece joined the Fresh Energy team in August 2018. She is an established organizer working for racial and environmental justice. She has a BA in Political Science and Environmental Science, Policy and Management from the University of Minnesota. Janiece is a board member of Headwaters Foundation for Justice and MN350. She loves food—from growing it in her garden to cooking and food cooking shows.
Ben Passer: As Director of Energy Access and Equity, Ben directs Fresh Energy’s work to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota’s energy system, and also supports the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. He joined Fresh Energy as a Policy Associate in May 2015. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. He is a member of the Minnesota Bar.