Commonwealth Club of California Podcast CLIMATE ONE: ENCORE: Solar Power to the People
Dec 26, 2025
Elizabeth Yeampierre, an attorney and environmental justice leader at UPROSE, discusses local solar initiatives in Brooklyn that empower communities and reduce energy costs. Arturo Massol-Deyá, from Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico, shares insights on building resilient solar microgrids after disasters. Skyler Zunk, CEO of Energy Right, talks about promoting solar in conservative rural Virginia, emphasizing energy independence and local economic benefits. Together, they underscore the importance of community-driven clean energy solutions.
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Community-Led Organizing Wins
- UPROSE grew from a social service group into an environmental justice organizer listening to community needs.
- Elizabeth Yeampierre described wins like stopping a power plant and expanding Bush Terminal Park through persistent local organizing.
Rooftop Solar Creates Local Wealth
- Sunset Park Solar pairs rooftop solar with community ownership to reduce emissions and energy burden.
- The 725 kW project serves 170 households and reinvests revenue into a community wealth fund.
Scale By Using Local Roofs And Lots
- Map local rooftops and parking lots to scale community solar and maximize reach.
- Elizabeth recommends using lessons from smaller arrays to service thousands of families on larger rooftops.