Examples of AEC equity analyses

AEC equity analyses aim to assess the relationship between social, environmental, economic, health, housing, and energy related characteristics of a particular area. These analyses are used, for example, to identify priority areas for program outreach or policy actions, or to assess which neighborhoods face overlapping burdens from fossil fuel energy infrastructure.

Environmental Justice Analyses examine the relationship between environmental justice communities and another characteristic, compared to the general population.

• Assessment of Backup Diesel Generators in Massachusetts and New York City: report that finds backup diesel generators are commonly sited near EJ communities and represent a considerable—and largely avoidable—source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that threaten public health and the environment.

• Overburdened Communities and Power Plants in New Jersey: policy brief that finds New Jersey power plants disproportionately affect overburdened communities.

• Equity Assessment of Electrification Incentives in the District of Columbia: report that provides a baseline equity analysis of the distribution of energy expenditures, median income and other vulnerability indicators and reveals significant disparities across the District.

Social Vulnerability Analyses assess the overlap of socioeconomic burdens across different areas to identify overburdened communities.

• Impact of Refinery Row on the City of Corpus Christi: report that summarizes the economic impact of the petroleum industry in Nueces County, Texas and the negative impacts of the polluting facilities located in the City of Corpus Christi and its “Refinery Row” district.

• Boston Tree Equity Analysis: this report examines the distribution of tree coverage, pollution, high temperatures, and socioeconomic disparities in the City of Boston in order to identify communities where tree planting efforts could offer the most equitable results.

Cumulative Impact Assessments assess the overlap of social, financial, health, housing, and other burdens across different areas to provide a comprehensive understanding of historically overburdened communities.

• Cumulative Impact Assessment of the North Brooklyn Pipeline Project: report that highlights the existing and overlapping socioeconomic, environmental, and health-related burdens facing the communities living near the pending Phase 5 pipeline construction and vaporizer additions at the Greenpoint Energy Center.

Clean Energy Program Assessments assess the distribution of clean energy program participation, benefits, and performance across different groups, particularly low-income and environmental justice communities.

• Energy Storage Equity: An Assessment of Three Massachusetts Programs: report that assesses equity provisions in three Massachusetts energy storage-incentivizing programs: the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, the Clean Peak Standard, and ConnectedSolutions—and finds these energy programs lack mandates, targets and reporting requirements to support the Commonwealth’s commitment to equitable access to clean and efficient energy.