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Hyper-engaged citizenry, negative governance and resilience: Impediments to sustainable energy projects in the United States
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Hyper-engaged citizenry, negative governance and resilience: Impediments to sustainable energy projects in the United States

Haris Alibašić
Energy research & social science, Vol.100, 103072
06/2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2023.103072
Web of Science ID: WOS:000979896500001

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16 Times Cited - Web of Science

Abstract

This paper investigates the adverse effects of the hyper-engaged citizenry and negative governance on the development of sustainable energy projects in the United States, which are crucial for societal resilience. The paper emphasizes the need for collaborative governance and additionality, highlighting sustainable energy as a critical component for a more resilient future. Using purposefully selected fifty renewable energy projects in the United States, the paper conducts a case study analysis using software-aided two-cycle coding to analyze 110 reports, articles, and government documents from the past ten years. The study reveals how the additionality of renewables is often ignored in policymaking due to vocal opposition from the public, resulting in negative governance. Through the lens of additionality and collaborative governance, the paper contributes to the existing research on sustainable energy policies in three ways. First, it unpacks the understudied concepts of negative governance and hyper-engaged citizenry and their respective roles in policymaking. Second, it proposes practical recommendations for academia, policymakers, and the general public to promote the collaboration and additionality of renewable energy. Third, it offers valuable empirical details on the manifestation of additionality perspectives in the governance of sustainable energy projects and their implementations. The paper's findings emphasize the importance of a collaborative and informed approach to sustainable energy policymaking for building a more resilient future.

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