Place-Based Energy Transitions: Takeaways from Our Recent Webinar
On June 21st, Policy Integrity hosted a webinar that brought together academics and policy experts for a discussion about place-based research on energy justice and the clean energy transition. Researchers presented their ongoing projects exploring how the shift to renewable energy impacts specific communities and regions. The goal of the event was to share ideas that can inform fairer policies that lift up and protect the interests of vulnerable groups during the energy transition.
Professor Nadia Ahmad and Dr. Elise Harrington outlined a project focused on developing a “just transition” framework through case studies in four states. It considers factors like jobs, climate risks, past harms, and public views. They said renewable energy transitions work best when local populations help decide how it’s done. Their input ultimately leads to better outcomes. The project aims to equip policymakers with substantive evidence to guide them toward decisions that are more effectively informed by the community.
Dr. Connor Harrison discussed a separate study examining clean energy issues in the Southeast. It asks what a just transition involves for workers and vulnerable groups in South Carolina and Tennessee. The study also endeavors to understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that might empower communities to achieve their visions of energy justice. Right now, the team is conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups with energy vulnerable populations and workers in the energy sector in order to identify laws and policies that could promote fairness. In initial conversations, they have uncovered varying opinions on renewable energy as well as barriers to accessing alternative forms of energy, such as required credit checks.
Dr. Brian Patterson talked about barriers for minority colleges doing energy research. His project looks at four regions to learn why these schools have less access to funding and partners. The research examines systemic biases that may be preventing the establishment of a diverse pipeline of innovators from these institutions into the clean energy economy. The goal is to give policymakers a “scorecard” to address gaps. In the initial research stages, he has found it challenging to locate and engage lesser-known researchers at small schools.
Dr. Alyse Taylor-Anyikire, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) expert, talked about efforts to customize clean energy plans for communities. In the past, DOE took a one-size-fits-all approach. Now, they are transitioning to a more place-based engagement model in which they try to make an extra effort to meet local needs, correct past harms, collaborate with other agencies, and invest more in marginalized areas. She also shared that research insights, like those shared by the academic researchers, help them better serve priority communities.
In summary, these projects aim to make the renewable power shift fairer. They look at how it’s affecting jobs, bills, health, and more in different geographic areas, including overlooked ones. In an era of rapid changes in energy infrastructure and swift deployments of federal funding, these types of ideas can help ensure that vulnerable communities are protected and prioritized in local and national policies.
