An Introduction to Community-Owned Renewable Energy

Communities all over the country are building a movement for energy democracy -- local cooperatively-owned and collectively-managed renewable energy projects that build local wealth and contribute to a transition away from fossil fuels towards a just clean energy economy. There are a number of models of community energy, policy supports like tax credits, and a dynamic regulatory environment for community members to navigate.

Join us as we explore some of the challenges and opportunities for building a community-owned energy project, examining successful projects around the country and the legal environment in California. This interactive teach-in will feature opportunities to engage with other community members working on community energy projects in the area.

About the Presenters

Adrien Salazar - Community Energy and Seed Democracy Intern 

Adrien is an environmental advocate, political ecologist, and poet receiving his Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Adrien is committed to supporting communities in shaping policy and managing their resources to achieve community resilience, empowerment, and self-determination. His work focuses on land and resource rights, and engagement of frontline and marginalized communities in resource management and policy. As an intern for the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC), he is excited to work with the organization's community-owned energy and seed saving projects. He hails from San Jose, California and Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. He enjoys running, yoga, mindfulness meditation, and growing heirloom vegetables.

Subin Varghese - Community Renewable Energy Director

Subin leads SELC's Community Renewable Energy Program, working to ensure that it is primarily communities, nonprofits, cooperatives, and households -- not large utilities -- that will own and control energy infrastructure as society transitions to renewable energy. Subin grew up in southwest Houston and studied business and government at the University of Texas. He worked in the Washington, DC area within the field of nonprofit communications before receiving his JD from the UC Berkeley School of Law. He enjoys meditating, running, and doting on his niblings.

$5-15 Donation Requested

If you are unable to give financially or would like to donate in person at the event, please RSVP by emailing [email protected]. 

No one will be turned away for lack of funds!