Much of our nation’s energy policy is crafted at the state level by public utility commissions. Utility commissioners decide whether customers like you will be forced to pay for power from a dirty coal plant, or benefit from money-saving energy efficiency programs, or generate your own electricity affordably with rooftop solar.

Earthjustice attorneys, in partnership with state and regional partners, are crisscrossing the country making the case for clean energy in these often overlooked but immensely important regulatory forums. In this venue, good lawyers—and customers like you—can make an outsized impact.

Courtesy of 'Years of Living Dangerously'

Shannon Fisk, Managing Attorney at Earthjustice, during proceedings in Ohio to fight proposals by utilities that could cost customers billions of dollars, while guaranteeing profits for corporate shareholders.

For power companies, it’s getting harder and harder to justify continued investments in fossil fuels when clean energy solutions are available, affordable and scalable now. Utility-scale wind and solar power are now cheaper per kilowatt-hour than gas, coal, or oil.

The solar industry created 1 in 50 new U.S. jobs in 2016.

As the costs of clean energy plummet, wind and solar are taking off at a record pace, with the jobs to match. The solar industry created 1 in 50 new U.S. jobs in 2016. Wind turbine service technician is now the fastest-growing occupation in the country. Nationwide, clean energy now employs more people than fossil fuels. And, globally, the world saw a record level of renewable energy installed in 2016. President Trump and his fossil fuel allies may try to slow this momentum, but they can’t stop it.

At the same time, we’re working to make sure affordable renewable energy is widely accessible. For instance, in Maryland and elsewhere Earthjustice is working with local partners on innovative community solar projects that make rooftop solar accessible to people who rent, live in apartments, or otherwise don’t have a suitable rooftop of their own.

Matt Roth for Earthjustice

Maryland's new community solar legislation may benefit many, including Baltimore's Paterson Park neighborhood.

75% of Americans, including 6 in 10 Trump voters, support regulating climate pollution.

82% of Americans, including 7 in 10 Trump voters, want to fund renewable energy research.

2/3 of Americans support renewable energy requirements for utility companies.

Earlier this year, Marylanders had the chance to weigh in on plans for the state’s first offshore wind farm. Hundreds spoke up in support:

• “As a lung cancer survivor who has asthma and COPD, I want more days with breathable air.” – Lucinda M., Baltimore, MD
• “Maryland is missing a bet if we don't start taking advantage of all this wonderful wind nature has gifted us.” – Elisabeth R., Thurmont, MD
• “We are moving forward without coal.” – Kathleen B., Laurel, MD
• “We Marylanders need to ensure that jobs are generated by research, development, creation of green energy.” – Cynthia H., Baltimore, MD
• “We need to do this.” – Laura B., Parkville, MD
• “Wind energy is a no-brainer.” – Marissa A., Germantown, MD
• “Renewable energy is good for the environment and the economy!” – Jeffrey B., Columbia, MD
• “I would be so proud to live in a state that is pioneering construction of the biggest offshore wind farm.” – Catherine P., Baltimore, MD
• “Offshore wind, correctly sited, is an option we need to consider and support where appropriate.” – Peter B., Rockville, MD
• “The power of wind is being wasted at a time when we need to be cleaning our air.” – Pat B., Laurel, MD
• “Got wind? Got power.” – Victoria B., Takoma Park, MD
• “Let Maryland be a leader in clean energy, not a 1950's polluter.” – Jeannette B., Charlotte Hall, MD
• “I attended the public hearing in Berlin and enjoyed the knowledge from people who testified.” – Nancie C., Ocean Pines, MD
• “We need clean, renewable energy, as well as jobs.” – Ilana K., Baltimore, MD
• “Windmills on horizon are beautiful. Surely no one would rather look at coal-mined degraded landscapes.” – Lucy D., Lanham, MD
• “We only have this one little blue planet and very little time left to save it and ourselves.” – Pat M., St Leonard, MD
• “I want to be part of the future.” – Robin P., Westminster, MD
• “Renewable energies like wind energy is the energy of the future—except it is already here.” – Don P., Arnold, MD
• “Maryland is ready for wind, let's do this!” – Barbara P., Silver Spring, MD
• “Wind is free. It doesn't pollute. It doesn't contribute carbon emissions.” – Marilyn P., Bowie, MD
• “Let Maryland set an example that every East Coast state can follow.” – Susan P., Chevy Chase, MD
• “Renewable energy is the way of the future, moving away from dinosaur fossil fuels.” – Martin S., Finksburg, MD

Public concern about climate change is at the highest point in three decades, and big majorities of Americans want to see action. Our challenge is to channel this broad support into bold action. But we’re not starting from scratch. In communities across the country, people have been building power to challenge fossil fuel companies and plant the roots of a brighter future.

Earthjustice has been proud to fight alongside communities from Dryden, New York, to Oakland, California, to Standing Rock, North Dakota, to ban fracking, halt coal exports, and fight pipelines. The resistance to fossil projects are growing everywhere—in creative, persistent, and powerful ways.