Many of the benefits of the renewable energy boom—jobs, cleaner air, and access to new technologies—have not been shared equally in the United States. And climate injustices are as unequally distributed as opportunities. Consider that nearly 70% of Black Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant, despite making up just 13% of the U.S. population.

Enter Gilbert Campbell, the founder of Volt Energy Utility, a national African-American owned utility-scale solar development firm with a mission to help underserved urban and rural communities benefit from the climate economy with grants, job programs, and improved access to clean air. Volt also supports the participation of minority and Women-owned firms in the development of renewable energy projects. “My interest in climate justice is grounded in my deep belief that everyone should be treated equally and fairly,” he says. 

Through Volt Energy Utility’s unique Environmental Justice Power Purchase Agreement a percentage of revenue generated from their utility-scale solar projects allow Volt and its corporate clients to contribute funds to the Sharing the Power Foundation. Established by Volt as an independent non-profit, the foundation’s mission is to offer financial support to organizations serving historically marginalized urban and rural communities in their efforts to overcome exposure to environmental hazards, access affordable clean energy, and participate in opportunities to work in the clean energy sector. Additionally, the foundation manages the HBCU Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Fellowship which prepares students from historically black colleges and universities for careers in clean energy.