A Statement in Response to Recent Racial Injustices
At the Scott Institute, we strive to support critical energy issues and research. As we continue to bear witness to the reality that racism and injustice pervade our society, we remind ourselves that energy production and availability are not immune to the effects of systemic discrimination. In fact, energy inequity is among the biggest challenges we face.
For example:
- Even before the pandemic, over 30 percent of U.S. households experienced difficulty paying their electricity bills – with a highly disproportionate number of those affected living in lower income communities that are predominately non-white.
- Negative health impacts caused by energy-related air emissions have a higher incidence rate in black and brown communities.
- People of color make up only a small fraction of the energy workforce in the United States.
While these problems have persisted for some time, they will only become more acute under the shadow of COVID-19. We at the Scott Institute are listening, supporting, and acting. We are intent on doing whatever we can to shine a light on these and other related energy equity issues and to offer solutions that can have lasting impact.
Read more about this important topic:
-
Confronting Racism in Our Society: A Message from CMU President Farnam Jahanian
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Green Causes Are Not Always Colorblind: Racial Disparity in Energy Issues
- Energy Justice: A Conceptual Review
- Why It’s Still Important to Talk About Diversity in the Renewables Industry
-
One in Three U.S. Households Faces a Challenge in Meeting Energy Needs
Sincerely,
Jay F. Whitacre
Director
Anna J. Siefken
Executive Director