Board of Commissioners Office
for Benton County
Julie Williams and YouCAN received the Benton County Environmental Awards at the 6th annual Environmental Issues Advisory Committee public forum on October 25, 2018 at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.
Julie Williams has been an advocate for community solar since 2001, and is the founder of Seeds for the Sol: Community Solar, Giving Power to the People.
Seeds for the Sol is a non-profit, grass-roots organization that makes it easier for low- and middle-income homeowners to afford solar systems. Seeds for the Sol help homeowners finance solar arrays using zero-interest loans, as well as tax incentives. Homeowners’ out-of-pocket cost are typically less than $2,200, plus a $150 processing fee. In addition, Seeds for the Sol provides homeowners with an experienced solar mentor, as well as contracts and a list of local installers.
Additionally, Williams is a teacher at Corvallis High School. Her concern for the impending climate crisis has motivated her to create and teach the course, “Sustainability and Society.”
The Benton County Environmental Issues Advisory Committee is honored to award Julie Williams with the 2018 Individual Environmental Award.