My First Campaign for Clean Energy in New York
My name is Madeline, and I’m a Green Corps Organizer in the Class of 2027. As a track athlete, years of running outside gave me a deep appreciation for nature. My journey in environmental work really started at Bucknell University while I was studying Environmental Studies and interning in the Office of Campus Sustainability.
Throughout college, I pursued every environmental opportunity I could find while balancing my commitments as a student-athlete. Whether conducting research on AI data center expansion in Central Pennsylvania for The Climate Reality Project, leading environmental education programs along the Jersey Shore with Clean Ocean Action, or advocating for sustainable practices on campus, one thing became clear: real change happens through on-the-ground organizing. Seeing how environmental degradation directly impacts local communities made me realize I wanted to dedicate my career to fighting for a cleaner, more resilient future.
That commitment naturally led me to Green Corps, the nation's premier field school for environmental organizing. Green Corps provided the intensive training and hands-on field experience I needed to build community power and tackle today’s most pressing climate challenges. The opportunity to make an immediate impact is what truly set the program apart for me.
Now, leading a campaign for clean energy storage in New Paltz, New York, I’m working with community members to secure local approval for a battery energy storage system (BESS). Expanding battery storage is vital to phasing out polluting fossil fuel peaker plants and building a reliable, 100% renewable electric grid across the region.
In just two months, our campaign has built powerful grassroots momentum. We have gathered over 750 petition signatures from local residents and secured backing from over 30 businesses. By mobilizing residents to attend town hall meetings, we’ve ensured impactful public comments are delivered directly to decision-makers. Through public BESS educational events, community speaking engagements, and media coverage in outlets like The Oracle, we are keeping clean energy storage front and center.
What inspires me most is seeing this impact take root within our volunteers. We have built a dedicated team that bridges SUNY New Paltz students and long-term resident activists. Whether watching a student gain the confidence to speak at a municipal board meeting or helping community members turn their passion into direct action, supporting their growth has been incredibly rewarding.
The fight for a clean energy future is a long-term effort, but by celebrating every petition signed, business endorsed, and voice heard, we are building a resilient coalition capable of creating lasting change. I look forward to bringing these lessons to my next campaign!
