The Western Clean Energy Campaign and the Just and Equitable Transition Network work to help NGOs across the west ensure a just and equitable transition away from coal for communities and workers. The coalitions and organizations that WCEC supports have deep connections in the communities they work in, many of which were already dealing with the economic impacts ofcoal plant and mine closures. The Covid-19 pandemic has only made matters worse. COVID-19 creates new issues and CARES Act perhaps new resources to address those challenges.

Right now, our network of NGOs are looking to us for information about how to help themselves and others in their communites get through the challenges of COVID-19 and the longer term economic transitions facing the communites where they work. They need information now about what CARES Act does and how they can access resources. We are planning a webinar with 2 speakers. One speaker will address the policy issues related to CARES Act for NGOs working on Just Transition. The second speaker--our WeTheAction partner--will explain what NGOs should know about the process for applying for CARES Act funds.

We are looking for a legal expert to participate in a webinar on the CARES Act by providing an overview of the nuts and bolts of applying for CARES Act funds for NGOs and small businesses. Secondly, as a natural follow-up, we also expect our partners organizations will need one-on-one legal assistance as they take what they’ve learned and begin using it to apply for CARES-related funding as part of their efforts to get past the current crisis and smooth the transition to a more resilient future.