EESI Impact 4 - April 2021

Happy Earth Month! DONATE NOW   Congressional Climate Camp Briefing Series Housing Affordability In Focus Too many Americans face some sort of energy insecurity, such as receiving a disconnect notice, keeping one's home at an unhealthy temperature, or reducing spending on basic necessities to pay an energy bill. You helped raise awareness about the costs and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn for housing and energy affordability, and you helped equip policymakers to drive a recovery that prioritizes solutions to these issues. To that end, EESI organized a briefing that explored the issues faced by communities hard-hit by the economic crisis; electric, gas and water shutoffs; and evictions. The harmful effects of the crisis have been felt unevenly, with unjust burdens crushing low-income, Black, Indigenous, and people-of-color communities. More Black and Hispanic households than white households are experiencing energy insecurity.  EESI’s briefing speakers offered possible solutions: The Biden-Harris Administration and many in Congress are proposing increases in energy, water, and rental assistance and other provisions that protect against shutoffs and evictions. Panelists discussed the threats to communities and the policy solutions already in place—including the CARES Act and the COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill—as well as the relief package that was then being debated: the American Rescue Plan. We are so grateful that you are part of the work towards these solutions.

In the Know: Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Why Art Matters: Street Murals Bolster Community and Reimagine Transportation

By Richard Nunno

This past year, my neighbors and I have been working on getting a project approved to paint a bright mural on two corners of a street intersection so that pedestrians will feel more comfortable walking through, fostering community building.

This type of project is known as asphalt art. Asphalt art, at the intersection of arts and transportation, is any kind of creative intervention on transportation infrastructure. Asphalt art projects improve crosswalks and slow down car traffic with planters, bollards, and colorful markings that emphasize that the space is designated for pedestrians.

While the street murals may be temporary, the projects often lead to more permanent changes as residents become used to seeing the space as more than just a sidewalk or street gutter collecting leaves and debris, or a spot for cars to park. Street murals often lead to significantly increased retail sales in the area and reduced vehicular speeds.

Street murals help residents realize that they do not have to accept their transportation system’s status quo, but that they can be active participants in change. Giving people the right to paint their streets can encourage them to become more involved in the decision-making process for future planning of the street’s uses.

Regarding my own street project, we are hoping to get two more signatures and get the city where I live, Portland, OR, to grant the permit this spring.

Full article here

EESI Fellow Spotlight: Richard Nunno

On the Horizon

What We Are Creating Together

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