As we mark the fourth anniversary of Good Energy Collective, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to what lies ahead. Much like the roots of a thriving plant, our work draws strength from rigorous research, a commitment to inclusivity, and an unwavering focus on equity. Over the past four years, we’ve nurtured new ideas and had an outsized impact in service of a just and sustainable energy future.
Let's take a look at what we've been up to since 2020 — we've:
Recognized that a just clean energy transition demands both a diverse workforce and equity-focused research. As a result, we champion underrepresented scholars and studies that highlight legacy issues.
To advance this vision, Good Energy has:
- Launched the Justice Champions Fellowship Program with HBCUs, providing mentorship and research opportunities for undergraduate students in energy policy;
- Partnered with Black Girl Environmentalist and Green 2.0 to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector;
- Joined the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy network, committing to diverse representation in events and publications, and developed an inclusivity-focused code of conduct; and
- Authored the Interim Nuclear Justice Roadmap (2022)
Researched, identified, and uplifted ways in which nuclear provides clean, reliable power, especially to rural and isolated areas. We believe all clean energy infrastructure has the potential to be a critical investment in community development and resilience.
To advance this vision, Good Energy has:
- Conducted comprehensive analyses on nuclear energy's potential and impacts, covering coal site repurposing, historical inequities and legacy issues, innovative solutions for off-grid communities, and the legacy of nuclear weapons testing;
- Received an award to work with communities across the United States on developing a consent-based siting process for choosing temporary nuclear waste storage locations; and
- In 2023, our Executive Director Jessica Lovering took the stage as a featured panelist on Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn’s ‘Environmental Justice Braintrust’ at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
Made the case for nuclear as part of a just, comprehensive climate strategy. We also address regulatory issues, public engagement, and research and development challenges in our work.
To advance this vision, Good Energy has:
- Published our Advanced Nuclear explainer, breaking down complex technologies and their community impacts;
- Pushed for critical nuclear innovation funding, including support for the Versatile Test Reactor project;
- Testified before Congress on the need for a well-resourced NRC to ensure safe, efficient licensing and meaningful public engagement, championed the bipartisan ADVANCE Act to modernize nuclear regulation and accelerate new reactor designs, and endorsed NRC Chair Hanson’s renomination; and
- Drove nuanced public discussions on nuclear energy, tackling issues from waste management to economic impacts and emerging technologies
As we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on the work ahead, knowing that the path to a just energy transition is a marathon, not a sprint. Our commitment to equity, inclusivity, and innovation will remain at the core of our mission as we break new ground in the clean energy sector. Here’s to many more years of impact, progress, and collective action.
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