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Causes: Energy Resources Conservation & Development, Environment, Human Services, Pollution Abatement & Control, Public Transportation Systems, Transportation Assistance
Mission: Low-income customers care about the environment and are often keenly ware of environmental impacts that disproportionately affect their neighborhoods. Air quality is a major benefit. Many low-income neighborhoods are near industrial areas, airports, brownfields, trucking depots, ports and manufacturing facilities that negatively impact air quality and increase airborne particulate matter. Childhood asthma rates are typically highest in environmental justice areas and bringing transportation electrification to these residents may be welcomed by the local community. Utilities already play a major role and responsibility in providing accessibility and social equity. Utilities already implement energy efficiency programs geared to disadvantaged community members, and they have a responsibility to serve all customers equitably. In the EV transition this means providing charging infrastructure, lower cost options to personal EV ownership. Currently those with access to financial capital are able to benefit from EV adoption at multiple levels. We cannot meet our climate goals without engaging all segments of society.
Target demographics: Access of electric vehicles to low income communities
Geographic areas served: Boston Metro Area
Programs: car sharing, community events, income-based memberships