Just Transition Conference June 7th!

After the release of the recent report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) regarding the future of the Huntley Coal Plant in the Town of Tonawanda, Clean Air held a series of community assemblies in the city and town of Tonawanda, Grand Island, and Riverside to vision a “just” transition in case of the plant’s closure.

We must make sure that IF the plant retires, that workers at the plant and residents who live near the plant are protected. We must make sure that new revenue is secured for our schools and local governments, and for a clean up of the waterfront property.

The idea of a “just” transition was first promoted by Tony Mazzocchi, the founder of the workplace health and safety movement, and suggests that when plants dangerous to our health and the environment retire, there should be resources invested in making sure working men and women and local communities can not only survive, but prosper. And so, at these Just Transition Assemblies throughout the month of March, nearly 100 impacted residents, workers, and climate change activists came together to vision a resilient future for our region if the NRG Huntley coal plant were to retire.

On JUNE 7th , we will bring together leaders from communities across the country who are facing similar challenges, labor leaders, new economy visionaries, brownfield redevelopment experts, and local community leaders. The conference, entitled  Just Transitions: Good Jobs and Healthy Communities will focus on ways communities, school districts and workers have thrived after similar transitions have occurred in other places.

Don’t miss out! Registration is free but space is limited. Get your seat today by calling Rebecca at 852-3813 or registering online at www.justtransition.com

A full schedule will be posted soon.