The State of Energy Justice: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Tony Reames (S4:E1)

In this Season 4 opener of Just Power, Dr. Tony Reames returns with host, Carolyn Parrs, to reflect on a year that’s seen major rollbacks in federal climate and equity policy — and yet surprising momentum at the state, local, and community level. Tony, who helped establish the first Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis at the U.S. Department of Energy and now leads the Detroit Sustainability Clinic, walks us through what’s been dismantled, what’s quietly taking root, and why he still believes the pendulum can swing toward justice if we’re willing to fight for it. This conversation moves from Justice40 and safety-net cuts to data centers, neighborhood solar, and the power of listening as a radical tool for change.HighlightsHow Tony’s definition of energy justice has evolved.Why federal equity frameworks like Justice40 were vulnerable, and why the next wave of energy justice may be state- and community-led.The deeper meaning of LIHEAP and SNAP cuts — what that “silence” from policymakers reveals about who counts in our system.A candid message to utility CEOs and regulators about treating energy as a vital service, not just a commodity.The overlooked impacts of massive data centers on local communities — and what a truly just “data center playbook” might look like.Inside Detroit’s Sustainability Clinic: neighborhood solar, community benefits, and why Tony’s students still give him hope that the arc can bend toward justice.About Dr. Tony ReamesWebsite: https://thegreenscholar.com/Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice, University of MichiganAssociate Professor, School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)Director, SEAS Detroit Sustainability ClinicDirector, Urban Energy Justice LabFounder & Advisor,  Energy Equity ProjectGoogle ScholarShow notesGeorgia / commissioners Democrats win big over GOP incumbents in 2 statewide Georgia utility regulator races (AP News, November 5, 2025) Tony's colleague, Myles Lennon, "Subjects of the Sun: Solar Energy in the Shadows of Racial Capitalism" Listen to Tony's first interview on Just Power (January 2025): https://youtu.be/shInMaONXYk?si=s67apcwPXfussxtNAbout Carolyn ParrsCarolyn is the CEO of Mind Over Markets, a branding and messaging firm that helps energy companies and mission-driven businesses clarify their message, cut through the clutter and grow sustainably.Website: https://mindovermarkets.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/About Just Power PodcastJust Power is about the human side of the clean energy transition. The podcast focuses on grid modernization, energy affordability, and community engagement — featuring leaders from utilities, policy, technology, and frontline communities navigating the real-world impacts of energy infrastructure change.🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe NowYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1💖 Spread the LoveLike, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this.YouTubeFacebookInstagramNew Mexico State University MicrolearningMind Over MarketsLinkedIn