This summer when we turn on the air conditioner, all we really want to know is how much is this going to cost me? However, for the Black community, this question means more than just the dollar amount on your electric bill. As the country and world transitions to “clean” energy, what exactly does this mean and how will it impact the African diaspora? Traditionally, climate advocates have taken a planet-first and communities-last approach. Significant recent policy changes have now created opportunity and space for grass-root communities to empower themselves and center ourselves in the discourse. This class will review the history and current fundamentals of energy climate policy in the United States. Participants in this course will understand how we have always been “climate warriors”, how energy policy decisions are, and how you can get involved to make sure energy policy is used to improve our health and wealth, not just run up a light bill.