What a victory for Sound Alliance, and what an example of grassroots muscle at work.  Thank you to those of you who took time to write letters and make phone calls!

This bill authorizes the use of federal stimulus money for pilot programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions through in-depth energy efficiency retrofits for low to middle income homes, non-profits, and businesses. One such pilot program is Sustainable Works, a program of the Spokane and Sound Alliances.

UUC member April Osborne, who has worked tirelessly for this initiative, attended the signing ceremony. (See her in white just behind/to the left of the Governor.)

At the core of Sustainable Works is a commitment to reduce carbon emissions, create living wage jobs, and offer apprenticeship opportunities to folks from underserved communities.  Working through labor unions, pre-apprenticeship programs, and other like-minded organizations, Sound Alliance has created a network of opportunity for those who need it most.

UUC members joined with Sound Alliance partners across the region to lobby legislators for the survival of SB5649.  After some heavy resistance from other constituencies, Sound Alliance members went into action writing letters, making phone calls, and sending e-mails.  It worked!  

This stimulus funding offers the potential of 6,000 to 8,000 retrofits, and 500 jobs. The training of apprentices in these green, cross-disciplinary skills will begin this month.

Volunteers from UUC and other Sound Alliance institutions will begin knocking on doors in target neighborhoods.  Willing participants will be offered in depth energy audits, and Sustainable Works will shepherd these home and business owners through the retrofit process. Please contact Jennifer Bright, Social Justice Coordinator, if you are interested in participating in the neighborhood outreach program.