Today's Leaders. Tomorrow's Heroes.

Jana Ganion, Blue Lake Rancheria

  • Featured: Jana Ganion, Sustainability and Government Affairs Director, Blue Lake Rancheria
  • Organization Goal: Zero net carbon emissions by 2030
  • Renewables Initiative:
    • Create a microgrid using 500 kW solar and 950 kWh battery energy storage from Duke Energy Renewables | REC Solar.
    • The microgrid cuts energy costs while powering more than 50% of operations during grid outages

Tapping into a sense of confidence, resiliency, and solutions-oriented approach is critical to getting this work done."

For Jana Ganion, walking through an ancient redwood forest is more than a hike through very tall trees. It's an exploration of the power of connectedness and enduring adaptability.

Jana inspires us for her efforts to help the Blue Lake Rancheria – a federally recognized native American tribe located in far northwestern California – adapt to weather emergencies and financial challenges by adopting the latest renewables and microgrid technologies.

Through a series of Climate Smart Resiliency initiatives, tribal leaders and Jana are choosing sustainability first to address energy, food sovereignty, water, communications, and information technology (IT). For Jana, their Climate Smart programs start with solar energy generation and battery backup. The technologies will also help the tribe combat climate change and hit its goal to be 100% emissions free by 2030.

"The climate crisis is the issue of our time. When I get back out into the forest, I think about this broader timeline. It gives me a sense of optimism and confidence that we can get there."

 

 

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