Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee History

The Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee has been operating since 2014 and’s was fathered by Minister Rev. Mac Shorty (Watts Representative), Michael Chattom (Compton Representative) and Kent Minault (Sierra Club Employee, later Volunteer), better known as the “Three Musketeers of Clean Air and Energy” in Watts. With daunting data on the rise in the era of competition between public utilities, the three founders knew that the disadvantaged Watts community was in dire need to have active community education and engagement around the larger picture of global warming including air and energy, which includes water.

After almost three successful years of hosting events, experiencing the loss of a Musketeer (Michael Chattom), and the migration of Musketeer Kent Minault, Minister Rev. Mac Shorty turned the group over to Jacquelyn Badejo (Watts activist) and Storm Hopkins (Watts Resident) who then formalized the group to expand capacity and visibility. Along with active supporters (The Sierra Club; My Generation Campaign, WLCAC, PSRLA/STANDLA, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Gryd Alternatives, Go Solar America, and more) WCAEC has been on the rise as a change agent for clean air and energy in Watts with the undertaking to educate and connect Watts to the new and innovative industry of clean and green lifestyle, workforce, technology, architecture and advocacy to hold officials and utilities accountable.

Dedication to the cause has positioned WCAEC organizationally in a leadership capacity with the Transformative Climate Community grant of $35 million awarded to Watts by the Strategic Growth Council. As a local leader of environmental justice, WCAECs goal is to uphold integrity by educating the community via outreach and education, uplift accountability of all players, advocate for Watts and respect the value of the community’s needs and voice.