300 People Celebrate the Success of Clean Energy in America at New Documentary Screening

Richmond, VIRGINIA– The Sierra Club hosted the 100th national screening of its new documentary Reinventing Power: America’s Renewable Energy Boom yesterday at the historic Byrd Theatre, an event attended by about 300 people. The screening, which was followed by a panel discussion, took viewers across the United States to hear from the people making our clean energy future achievable and whose lives have been reinvented by the renewable industry.

“The fantastic turnout to this screening from Sierrans and friends shows how strong support for clean energy is in Virginia,” Kate Addleson, Director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, said. “We have barely scratched the surface of the amazing potential of clean energy in our state. We are proudly working towards 100 percent clean energy in communities across the commonwealth, and this powerful film demonstrates how Virginians can reinvent themselves and boost their local economy through clean power in our cities, towns and neighborhoods.”

Panelists Charles Gerena, the Lead Organizer for Drive Electric RVA and Andrew Grigsby, the Business Development Director at Secure Futures, LLC, Resilient Solar Solutions spoke on what is necessary for Virginia and the country to transition to clean energy. The film successfully addresses the environmental and economic benefits to transitioning to renewables, both of which are needed to achieve the goal of zero emissions. With the momentum for clean energy already present in Virginia and across the country, education programs are necessary to fill the well-paying union jobs provided in renewables and clean energy technology.

Reflecting on his experience shooting and producing the film, Producer and CEO of Transit Pictures Brennon Edwards said: “One of the purposes and challenges of this project was to reflect America in the film. This was challenging because the renewable energy industry, and the film, does not adequately reflect the diversity of this country. While the clean energy field is more diverse than the fossil fuel industry, it still has a long way to go. Leaders in clean energy should want this new and forward field to be progressive in all aspects, including inclusion.”

Participants and panelists at the event reflected on the power of legislation and strong local leadership in driving the commonwealth to embrace 100 percent clean energy. Legislators present at the event include Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Richmond) and Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Richmond).