Climate and Environmental Justice

Since ANCA launched our Clean Energy Program in 2010, we have built strong working relationships with local government leaders, partner organizations and agencies to advance energy initiatives in the North Country. As our leadership role in the sector has grown, so has our knowledge and understanding of the rural communities we serve. We have become more mindful about centering equity and inclusion in our work and aim to better support underserved communities who disproportionately experience negative impacts of climate change. 

Among other environmental justice initiatives, ANCA staff hold advisory roles with New York State’s Energy Equity Collaborative, NYSERDA’s Regional Clean Energy Hub for the North Country, New York State’s Climate Justice Working Group, and Hydro-Québec’s North Country Advisory Board.

WE ACT Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center

In 2021, the Justice40 initiative was passed, meaning 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to communities that have been marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution and climate change. 

In response to this initiative, WE ACT TCTAC (Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center)  was launched by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and DOE (Department of Energy) to direct funds to the necessary communities. By partnering with regional organizations across New York and New Jersey, WE ACT and its partners can provide tailored support to stakeholders. 

ANCA has been granted the opportunity to be a free technical assistance service provider to our Northern New York and tribal communities. This collaboration aims to build power and knowledge in environmental justice communities, help stakeholders access grant and funding opportunities, advance and address environmental justice issues, and strengthen environmental justice networks within our region.