How renewable energy projects can better engage with local communities

The clean energy transition faces resistance as communities seek greater involvement in renewable energy projects, prompting discussions on legally binding community benefits agreements.

Erin X. Wong reports for High Country News.

In short:

Communities often oppose renewable energy projects due to a history of being excluded from decision-making and environmental harm from past developments.
Legally binding community benefits agreements can address these concerns by ensuring long-term collaboration, local hiring and environmental protections.
Public agencies and developers can support these agreements by providing technical and legal assistance to communities, fostering trust and smoother project implementation.

Key quote:

“If done well, not only can community benefits create a more equitable transition to this clean energy future that we all want; they can also help projects move more smoothly and more quickly.”

— Katherine Hoff, research fellow, University of California Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment

Why this matters:

Renewable energy development is crucial for addressing climate change, but community resistance can delay projects. Collaborative approaches like community benefits agreements can ensure equitable outcomes, reduce opposition and accelerate the clean energy transition.

www.hcn.org

How renewable energy projects can better engage with local communities

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