MCAN Presents: Leaders Speak Out: Paths to Climate Justice, a Speaker Series
July 18, 2024, Thursday 7:00PM

Mary Wambui: Energy Affordability 

What is a vision of a more equitable future, and do we have the tools to drive meaningful change?

In 2024, the energy landscape of Massachusetts is undergoing significant transformations at Mass-Save, at the DPU, and at the utilities. While these tie to climate goals, there is little discussion about energy ownership and governance changes.

A crucial decision about energy direction is imminent. We must choose between a fairer reality and old systems that perpetuate inequality. We must weigh the effects on health, the environment, employment, and economic resources as we strive for a balanced coexistence of a thriving economy and a clean environment in our communities. This dialogue will serve to narrate our experiences.

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Mary Wambui is an affordable housing asset manager for the Planning Office For Urban Affairs (POUA), a non-profit social justice ministry of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. She is also a Senior Greg Torres Fellow at MassINC. She also serves as a Councilor in the Massachusetts EEAC--the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council--where, among other things, she is the co-chair of the EEAC's Energy Equity Working Group; she is also a member of the Grid Modernization’s Advisory Council Equity Working Group, she is on the Board of Green Energy Consumers Alliance, NECEC and the Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell. She is well recognized as a leader and advocate for housing, climate & energy equity in the region. Mary enjoys singing, songwriting, mentoring youth, and volunteering at community events. She is originally from Nairobi, Kenya, and lives by the motto “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.