We need to reset our energy system. Passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was just a start—now we must invest deeply in accelerating implementation of the IRA’s benefits in order to realize its full potential—and we must ensure the money makes its way to the right communities as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, a traveling circus of fossil fuel disinformation is derailing counties and townships across the United States from approving utility-scale clean energy projects, undermining the IRA, and standing in the way of state-based ambition to pass 100% clean energy legislation. The vast majority of proposed utility-scale clean energy projects are in rural zip codes and Republican-held districts.

At the same time, just a third of the American public knows that the IRA has been enacted into a law. In order to protect the IRA and maximize its benefits, we must also work quickly to socialize the consumer-facing benefits of the IRA to average Americans.

1. Strategic Communications and Media

• Use smart data and mapping software to identify which communities have the most capacity for utility-scale clean energy projects to target our media dollars most efficiently.
• Run large-scale, measurable mass persuasion campaigns to inoculate and educate community members in these areas about the economic incentives and community benefits of clean energy projects.
• Use storytelling to tell the stories of young people who have benefited directly from clean energy projects in their communities.

2. Local Organizing

• Mobilize our 1.1 million Youth Action Network members to show up, testify, conduct petition drives, educate leaders, tell their stories, and ultimately advocate to advance new utility-scale clean energy in their communities.

3. Diverse Participation in Our Democracy

• Register, educate and turn out diverse youth voters up and down the ballot through both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) voter engagement programs.

1. Watch Our Climate Our Future

Are you a teacher or a young person dedicated to understanding and addressing the critical issue of climate change? Our video series, Our Climate Our Future, is your essential resource. This in-depth series delivers the real facts about climate change, guiding you through the profound impacts on our planet and our lives. It’s not just about melting glaciers or endangered polar bears – it’s about effects on our daily lives and the urgent need for action. By watching these videos, you are taking a crucial step in educating yourself and your community. Join us in the fight for climate justice. Watch Our Climate Our Future here.

2. Become an ACE Partner

ACE works with dozens of national and local partners in the communities we serve. Interested in partnering with us? Check out our current partners here and get connected with us.

3. Join the ACE Youth Action Network

Are you a young person interested in taking weekly action with ACE to keep fossil fuels in the ground? Sign up for our Youth Action Network and join 1.1 million young people across the United States.

4. Support our Work

Learn more about how you can support this work as an institutional funder or donor.