The view from the trenches in frontline BIPOC communities fighting for resources is hopeful, though sobering: there has been a boom in energy and interest since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. But while this legislation may have provided “historic” funding for clean energy (at least $370 billion), ensuring that money reaches these communities remains a challenge.
Getting dollars to those who need them most has been a topic of conversation since the day the legislation passed. Indeed, it’s a challenge with all federal spending. As Lois DeBacker and Joe Evans have pointed out, federal funds tend to flow to those with “capacity” rather than those who need the money the most. Pronita Gupta and Justin Maxson reinforced this point, writing that “often communities that would have the strongest claim on federal funding programs are least likely to…
