The Sierra Club Suwannee St. Johns Group is inviting community members to attend “How to Cut Energy Costs & Build a Just, Clean Energy Future,” a public forum on Saturday, focused on rising utility costs, energy affordability, utility accountability and the transition to clean energy.
The free event will run from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the United Church of Gainesville (1624 NW 5th Ave.).
The forum will feature panel discussions and community conversations addressing energy burdens facing residents, utility policy decisions, clean energy affordability and energy justice initiatives.
Featured speakers and panelists include:
- N’Kwanda Jah
- Jason Bellamy-Fults
- Jennison Searcy
- David Hastings
- Chuck Ross
- Jyoti Parmar
Topics scheduled for discussion include:
- Rising utility costs and energy burdens
- Utility accountability and Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority policy decisions
- Clean energy affordability and energy justice
- Florida energy policy
- Coal plant retirement
- Data centers and energy demand
- Energy efficiency solutions inside and outside Gainesville
Organizers said the forum will also explore concerns about fossil fuel dependency, access to solar energy, and the long-term impacts of utility decisions on local residents.
The event will include an audience question-and-answer session as well as opportunities for attendees to connect with local environmental and energy justice organizations and campaigns.
Light refreshments, drinks, Asian snacks and banana splits will be provided.