RENEWABLE ENERGY
WORKING GROUP

We are a diverse, community-driven group of people who are dedicated to working together to transition the Fairbanks area to renewable energy as soon as possible. We believe in taking care of our community in order to preserve a high quality of life for all.

We advance energy justice and decarbonization in order to achieve 100% generation from renewable sources through community organizing, outreach, and engagement with our local utility cooperative.

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Learn More about our renewable energy wins!

In this webinar, the Renewable Energy Working Group presented their Climate Action Lab Microgrant Report, Cooperative Opportunity: Clean Energy documenting the development of their campaign, sharing reflections on how their organizing structure led to wins, the challenges they faced, and the lessons that can be learned to succeed in future campaigns.

Watch the Webinar

Our focus areas

Celebrations

  • We galvanized public support for our local energy utility co-op - Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) - to pass a Strategic Generation Plan, which they eventually did in the summer of 2022, committing to shut down the biggest coal plant in the state and replace it with alternative energy sources, including large-scale wind projects and upgrades to energy storage systems. Although their timescale has since been lengthened, the board still remains committed to transitioning as quickly as possible.

  • In the 2024 GVEA election cycle, we supported GVEA get out the vote efforts with FCAC’s first door to door canvassing campaign and saw the election of two pro-renewable board members.

  • In the 2024 legislative session, FCAC’s volunteer legislative rapid response team helped to demonstrate public support for the Community Solar bill and the Green Bank bill, both of which ultimately passed.

  • In coordination with other local groups, we helped to establish the Solarize BRITE program which increases access to affordable energy upgrades for low-income housing & nonprofits.

  • We started FBX CRF, The Fairbanks Carbon Reduction Fund, directing over $26,000 in individual donations to help provide low and moderate income households with energy efficient upgrades through Interior Weatherization.

  • Largely spurred by pressure from FCAC members and other community members, in 2024 the GVEA board published a letter supporting the general concept of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, despite expressing concerns with some of the specifics in that session’s particular RPS legislation.

  • After much public pressure from FCAC members and other community members, GVEA has acquired 2 major funding sources, which will add significant capacity to accelerate energy transition. 

By joining the REWG, you can…

  • Take direct action to promote energy justice and more generation from renewable sources 

  • Use your voice to affect change at GVEA, our local energy cooperative 

  • Help make Fairbanks a more just and inclusive community! 

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A group of people sit and stand, facing the camera, wearing masks but appearing to smile with their eyes

How Can I Get Involved?

  • Attend twice a month Renewable Energy Working Group Meetings. Contact Lee at lee@fbxclimateaction.org for more information.

  • Join a committee of the working group! Contact Lee for day and time of next meetings.

  • Attend GVEA Board Meetings and make comments to share your thoughts on energy justice and climate mitigation. Check out our comment crafting guide to help you plan for public comment.

  • Share the Fairbanks Carbon Reduction Fund with your networks and encourage folks to donate if they’re able.

  • Advocate for local use of renewable energy.

  • Start a conversation with friends and family about energy topics. Feel free to use one of the following conversation starters: 

    • Do you know what being a member owner of GVEA means? 

    • Do you know what sources your energy comes from? 

    • What do you hope Fairbanks is like for your grandchildren/in 50 years?

Get Involved

Artwork by: Cindy Hickman

WITH ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:

lee@fbxclimateaction.org