Publication Date

8-2024

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Leslie North, Margaret Grisphover, Jason Polk, O.E. Mansour

Degree Program

Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Utility-scale renewable energy development allows clean energy production to fulfill energy demand and mitigate climate change. Development of utility-scale renewable energies such as wind and solar energy requires expansive tracts of land, typically found in rural areas. Rural center communities in the United States (U.S.) exhibit unique characteristics and ideologies that influence individuals’ perceptions of renewable energy about climate change. This research aimed to understand rural residents’ perception of renewable energy by surveying six rural center communities with varying levels of renewable energy. Surveys were distributed electronically to residents in these communities via mailers, digital ads, flyers, press releases, and social media. This research also aimed to analyze and compare renewable energy policy in rural communities to consider how policy may affect renewable energy development. Policies that influence the development of renewable energy enacted by each local government and utility company of the six study sites were analyzed and coded for themes to determine common themes of policy implemented and compare existing development in each community to community perceptions of renewable energy. Results suggest a significantly higher awareness of renewable energy in renewable communities than in nonrenewable communities. There were no significant differences in opinion between community types but a slightly higher opinion by renewable communities was revealed in descriptive statistics. Analysis of policy indicated that local policy that influences renewable development is implemented more often in renewable communities but is typically enforced after initial development of large-scale renewable energy rather than before. Comparison between renewable energy perception and policy implementation within communities suggested no connection between the perception or attitude towards renewable energy and the level of renewable policy in a community.

Disciplines

Earth Sciences | Environmental Sciences | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Oil, Gas, and Energy | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Sustainability

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