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Video

Managing Growth

The Evolving Nature of Community Opposition to Large-Scale Clean Energy Development

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PDT
Location: Titian 2301, Level 2, The Venetian
Solar Storage

Learning Level: 201: Applies to those with some experience who are looking to build on or enhance existing knowledge.
The future of renewable energy depends on solar, wind, and other projects being sited in communities where NIMBYism and misinformation can run rampant. This session will cover the dynamics at play between federal and local energy policy, the practical steps to find support for renewable energy in local communities and build support into an effective coalition which can influence policy makers, and examples of best practices in which community organizing strategies were able to win the day for renewable developers in rural America.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the challenges associated with NIMBYism and misinformation in siting renewable energy projects in local communities. Explore the dynamics between federal and local energy policy that contribute to these challenges and their impact on the future of renewable energy. Gain insights into the potential consequences of NIMBYism and misinformation on project development and public perception of renewable energy.
  • Learn practical steps to garner support for renewable energy projects in local communities. Explore strategies to effectively communicate the benefits of renewable energy and address concerns and misconceptions held by community members. Understand how to build a coalition of stakeholders that can influence policy makers and create a positive environment for renewable energy development.
  • Examine real-world examples of successful community organizing strategies that have overcome challenges and won support for renewable energy projects in rural America. Gain insights into the best practices employed by these successful campaigns, including engagement techniques, messaging strategies, and collaboration with local stakeholders. Understand how these examples can serve as models for future community organizing efforts in other regions.