Building Blocks of Energy Justice Across the Pacific Northwest

​What does it take to ensure the clean energy transition is both ambitious and equitable? This panel explores how the core pillars of energy justice—participation, distributed energy, and economic empowerment—are driving smarter, community-led decisions around solar and microgrid technologies across the Pacific Northwest.

​Through real-world case studies from Washington State, panelists will share how targeted programs are expanding access to solar energy, microgrids, and heat pumps for low-income households and community-serving facilities—advancing climate resilience and energy independence from the ground up.

​Speakers:

• ​Lindsey Bear - Project Manager, Spark Northwest

• ​Kate Pedersen - Energy Resilience Specialist, WA Department of Commerce

• ​Derek Hoshiko - Director of Kicking Gas, a project of For the People

• ​Erika Lundahl (Moderator) - Communications Manager, Spark Northwest

​For more than two decades, Spark Northwest has partnered with hundreds of low-wealth, rural and Indigenous communities to support clean energy project development. Working at the intersection of clean energy and equity, Spark Northwest is catalyzing clean energy infrastructure, frontline community power, and climate-smart policy. We engage directly with communities facing economic or systemic barriers to clean energy development, offering technical assistance, coaching and pathways to funding to meet community-defined goals. More at SparkNorthwest.org. 

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of PNW Climate Week and receive communications about PNW Climate Week. By participating in this event, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used for promotional and marketing purposes, including on our website, social media, and in other publications.