A collaborative storytelling project between three organizations highlights the innovative ways real people are taking advantage of federal funding to improve their lives and communities with clean energy.

Renewable energy is alive and well in the Southeast, from training local workers as solar installers to test-driving electric vehicles. Stories like these need to be told if people are to see the value of clean energy in their everyday lives. That’s the impetus behind “Energy For All Y’all,” a collaboration between SACE, Generation 180, and the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN). 

The Energy For All Y’all project shares first-person stories of how communities across the Southeast are tapping funds in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for home upgrades such as heat pumps, electric vehicles, and induction stoves. It also showcases other ways clean energy investments support local communities, including clean jobs, economic investment, and better air quality. All 50 U.S. states benefit from clean energy investments from the IRA, with $346 billion for manufacturing, infrastructure, and other clean energy projects.   

The campaign features:

• Inspiring first-person narratives of how Southerners benefit from IRA tax credits, like Olivia Amyette, the founder and owner of a “one-stop solar shop” in rural Georgia. She also launched a training center to develop a diverse and qualified workforce to help Georgia meet its largely untapped potential for rooftop solar. 
• Real people in the clean energy transition. Craig Burch has been driving school buses in Savannah-Chatham County, Georgia, for three years. He shares a day in his life driving an electric bus, highlighting quieter rides, smoother operations, and positive student reactions. 
• Big wins in clean energy. EPA Administrator Michael Regan celebrated a $15 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding 38 electric school buses for Durham, N.C., reducing emissions and benefiting student health.
• Innovative thinkers. Joel Olsen uses sheep and the Renewable Energy for America Program to maintain his 28-megawatt solar farm in Montgomery County, North Carolina.
• Leaders in environmental stewardship. Two years after receiving North Carolina’s first electric school bus, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is electrifying its fleet and advancing climate resilience with $4.99M in IRA funding for renewable energy projects.
• Examples of local governments switching to clean energy that other towns and cities can follow. Buncombe County, a Western North Carolina community, is on track to be powered by 100% renewable energy – a first for the Tar Heel state. Asheville, nestled in Buncombe County, relied on clean energy as a lifeline while recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
• Videos from local filmmakers and social influencers, such as Chef Darius from Atlanta cooking with an induction stove and Rose, a Raleigh-local and Costa Rica native, who explores downtown NC in an electric vehicle.
• Resources on how communities and individuals can access federal funds and participate in the Southeast’s transition toward a new clean energy economy.

“Communities across the South are benefitting from clean energy investments, and more people need to hear about these local success stories,” said Stuart Gardner, Executive Director of Generation180. “We need creative approaches to help folks save money, drive economic development, and create healthier communities by reducing air pollution. We tell everyday success stories by partnering with influencers, local videographers, and content creators so we can popularize and demystify clean energy,” he said.

“We’re working together to encourage all Americans to take advantage of clean energy funds through the Inflation Reduction Act. With positive storytelling and new resources, we’re sharing real examples of individuals and communities leading the charge in the clean energy transition, which is already well underway across Southeastern towns and cities,” said Amy Rawe from SACE.   

“Local governments across the Southeast are using the Inflation Reduction Act dollars and incentives as a catalyst for policies and programs that will create healthier communities for their residents. They are also helping their residents reap the financial benefits that come with clean, affordable energy investments,” said Meg Jamison from SSDN.

For more information on the Energy for All Y’all partnership and to view the success stories and videos, please visit energyforallyall.org.