Abstract

The world faces a crisis; climate change is beginning to show more damaging effects on our planet. Without human intervention to stop these effects from worsening, they are predicted to escalate, such as mass extinctions and more frequent natural disasters. In order to curb climate change, the world must begin a transition to renewable and green energy sources as soon as it is feasible. One of the potential forces slowing the transition to renewables is the public's perception and opposition. For example, a spot for a photovoltaic solar farm may be the most economically optimal, but if the community does not support its construction, it can lead to delays or even the project's cancellation. Although generally, the majority support renewables, the reality is that the public tends to have issues with them when they are to be placed in their communities. Opposition could be caused by inequitable placement, place attachment, or distrust for the utility companies. Public perception needs to be accounted for when looking at areas for utility-scale renewables. One way is to survey the public and analyze their responses along with other data in order to best visualize and create a plan to move the United States into a cleaner future. The survey, with over 400 responses, determined that political affiliation is statistically significant when determining what demographic impacts opposition of renewables.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Renewable energy sources--Public opinion; Renewable energy sources--Government policy--United States--Public opinion

Publication Date

12-6-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Science, Technology and Public Policy (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Public Policy, Department of

College

College of Liberal Arts

Advisor

Nathan Lee

Advisor/Committee Member

Eric Hittinger

Advisor/Committee Member

Kaitlin Stack Whitney

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

STPP-MS

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