The WA State Department of Commerce works with an advisory group and has created a series of community engagement sessions around the topic of Energy Ambassadors. There have been many discussions around why so few have submitted applications for WA projects, efficiency grants, or residential or business grants to aid resiliency and sustainability from WA state agencies. One of the most important solutions is getting technical and policy information into the hands of consumers, and the development of an Energy Ambassador program is the bridge between information and action. Working with the Department of Commerce and Ecology, several ideas have been introduced of how better technical guidance and information can influence more grant applications, community development, and improvement that will help our community become more resilient as climate change affects our soil, plants, livelihoods, and economic sustainability. Help be part of the solution by attending both virtual and in person hybrid events where you can learn and give input into how an Energy Ambassador program could help your community, not only identify what could be done in the forms of sustainability and energy efficiency projects, but also how the lack of inclusion of this technical assistance creates another issue our community must deal with while other communities have accessible resources.

Link to community workshops beginning the first week in November:   https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/54e49f8a01034da4967c3a169aee030d

Link to multi-language resources:  https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/d6y2jd3wf0b1ghr6z4vjz9lxd2uag54a

Additional questions and information can be obtained from:

Laura Armstrong (she/her) | Environmental Justice Management Analyst

Energy Programs In Communities | Washington State Department of Commerce

Email: laura.armstrong@commerce.wa.gov

Cell: 564-201-0496 | Office: (509) 818-1020