Vote Solar Awards Advocate, Chief Henry Red Cloud, with the 2025 Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2026
San Francisco, CA - Vote Solar is proud to announce Chief Henry Red Cloud, Executive Director of Red Cloud Renewable, as the 2025 Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award recipient.
The Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award honors the legacy of Dr. Espanola Jackson, a pioneer in clean energy, social and environmental justice. This award recognizes Black, Indigenous, and other leaders of color who represent organizations working at the local or state level to promote environmental justice progress.
This year’s recipient, Chief Henry Red Cloud, is a respected Lakota leader and clean energy advocate, and a 5th-generation direct descendant of the famed Oglala leader, Chief Red Cloud (1822-1909). He founded Red Cloud Renewable in 2016 and has since trained more than 1,100 Indigenous students in solar installation, weatherization, and sustainable building practices. Under his leadership, Red Cloud Renewable has installed solar heating systems in over 1,200 reservation homes, helping families withstand South Dakota’s harsh winters while reducing energy burdens.
“It is a true honor to present this award to Chief Henry Red Cloud, whose leadership is grounded in cultural wisdom and community-driven solutions,” said Vote Solar’s Executive Director, Sachu Constantine. “Through his work, Chief Red Cloud is not only expanding access to clean energy, but also strengthening energy sovereignty, economic opportunity, and resilience in Native communities. His vision exemplifies what a just and inclusive clean energy transition can and should look like.”
Chief Red Cloud is deeply committed to expanding workforce training for Native communities, including a dedicated program for women, to build the skills necessary for energy sovereignty and cultural resilience. His work is grounded in community, healing, and balance, exemplifying leadership in the movement toward a more equitable clean energy system.
“I am very honored and very excited to be receiving this award and to be able to share this across indigenous country,” said Chief Henry Red Cloud. “As other Indigenous nations look to our work, I hope it shows that if we can do this, so can they. This recognition is a morale booster for Indigenous communities.”
About Vote Solar:
Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build an equitable clean energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.
