Greenlight America, a new nonprofit, aims to mobilize supporters of local renewable energy projects to counter organized opposition that often stalls clean energy developments.
Dan Gearino reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Greenlight America was founded to support renewable energy advocates in local communities by keeping them informed on project proposals and local debates.
- The group’s nonpartisan strategy involves mobilizing supporters through organizing tactics inspired by the labor movement, including alerting advocates when to attend local meetings.
- Greenlight aims to counter anti-renewable messaging often rooted in misinformation by focusing on coalition-building rather than direct advocacy.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of support out there for clean energy projects . . . ” but supporters sometimes "don’t know when and where to show up."
— Matt Traldi, CEO and co-founder of Greenlight America
Why this matters:
While national support for renewable energy remains high, opposition at the local level has successfully delayed or prevented new clean energy projects. Greenlight America’s approach could shift public meetings and local policymaking, which are essential to expanding U.S. renewable energy infrastructure to combat climate change.
Related: Renewable energy and biodiversity: Striking a balance
