Organized 501(c)3 Clean Energy Districts are established in 13 counties in Iowa and one county in Wisconsin. Additional districts are in discussion or development in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
The CEDI network supports the founding and growth of new districts, shares experience and resources among members, supports advocacy and education around state and federal energy policy, and provides valuable momentum and data around a locally led and locally owned energy transition.
CEDI is also laying the conceptual foundation for state and federal policy that would recognize Clean Energy Districts as local implementation partners of the clean energy transition, and channel resources for technical assistance, market transformation, and community engagement through Districts everywhere. Development of model state authorizing legislation of Clean Energy Districts (akin that for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, as described in Geography of Change) is a priority, and the development of federal partnerships including the Departments of Energy and Agriculture.