Throughout 2024, the Just Transition team has been actively participating in key conversations focused on creating a more regenerative and sustainable world. Their ongoing commitment to this cause has led them to engage in various spaces where the central discussion revolves around a Just Transition. This initiative aims to create equitable and environmentally responsible futures for communities historically burdened by pollution and health disparities. A significant focus of the team’s recent involvement has been securing funding for local Just Transition projects. At the monthly Richmond Our Power Coalition meetings, discussions have centered on the availability of funds ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 through the Project Support Fund. These funds are designed to support local initiatives that work toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable future, providing communities with the resources to make meaningful change.
One of the team’s primary concerns is the ongoing air pollution affecting local communities. In this regard, the team attended Chevron’s first-ever town hall meeting for the residents of Richmond, where the Community Action Plan (CAP) was discussed. The meeting focused on addressing the environmental and health impacts of the region’s pollution and finding collaborative solutions for cleaner air and a healthier future. The team recognizes the importance of being present in these spaces to advocate for the well-being of local communities. They continue to push for clean air, water, and soil, basic resources that all communities deserve, free from the burden of pollution. For years, the health and well-being of residents in Richmond and similar areas have been compromised by industrial pollution, and the team remains dedicated to demanding meaningful change.