S1: E1 Energy Justice - A Conversation with Dr. Tony Reames - Just Power

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S1: E1 Energy Justice - A Conversation with Dr. Tony Reames

January 9, 2025 • 55 mins

What if the biggest barrier to clean energy isn't technology, but the way we think about who deserves access to it? In this powerful episode of Just Power, Dr. Tony Reames, former Presidential appointee and pioneering voice in energy justice, challenges everything we assume about creating an equitable energy future.

Fresh from his role as Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the U.S. Department of Energy, Dr. Reames takes us inside the rooms where energy decisions are made—and reveals why those decisions often fail the communities that need clean energy most. Drawing from his groundbreaking work at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability, he shares provocative insights about:

How "neutral" energy policies create unequal outcomes.
What really works (and what doesn't) in creating energy access.
Why measuring the wrong things keeps us from real progress.

This isn't just another conversation about energy equity—it's a masterclass in transforming how we think about, plan for, and deliver clean energy to every community. Whether you're an energy professional, policymaker, or community advocate, Dr. Reames' insights will change how you approach energy justice.

Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the most influential voices in energy justice about how we can create an energy future that truly works for everyone.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Energy Justice and Equity

02:55
Understanding Energy Equity

06:09
Disproportionate Impacts on Communities

09:00
The Balance of Climate Goals and Justice

12:15
Justice 40 Initiative Explained

15:10
Challenges of Implementing Justice 40

17:58
Utilities and Energy Equity Programs

20:57
The Future of Energy Justice

24:07
Best Practices for Utilities

26:53
Innovative Approaches in Energy Services

36:54
Collaborative Clean Energy Initiatives