The winds of change: the political ecology of renewable energy transition in Vermont

This research presents a case study of renewable energy transition (RET) in Vermont, illustrated by a recently completed commercial wind project in the Lowell Mountains. Preliminary analysis maps out the current political landscape of Vermont's RET - its stakeholders, political climate, and important policy advances. Subsequent analysis focuses on the relationship between RET and the unique aspects of Vermont's institutions, culture, and communities. Important elements of this analysis include the ways that community groups form a vital link between citizens and the State, the unique opportunities and challenges presented by Vermont's pastoral land perception and activist heritage, and the way that community support is contingent on broadly defined, transparent, democratically structured community participation. This research concludes by arguing that future RET efforts would benefit from considering similar institutional, cultural and community concerns; from developing more collaborative community models (including community ownership); and from fostering a sense of collective responsibility and participation in both local and regional initiatives.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Policy - (M.S.)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry and Environmental Science

Year

2014

Author dc:creator

• Clegg, Jill McNulty

Contributors dc:contributor

• Maurie J. Cohen
• Michael P. Bonchonsky
• Gabriela Kutting

• Renewable energy transition
• Sustainability

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/182

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.njit.edu:theses-1181