Social Science

Clean, green, and just? Community perspectives on the renewable energy transition in a New England city







  Peer Reviewed

Abstract

In 2021, Massachusetts policymakers enacted a new climate law to cut carbon emissions by no less than 50% by 2030 on the way to a net zero energy system in 2050. Reaching this goal will require massive public investments in energy infrastructure, public and private efforts to make buildings and urban infrastructure more energy efficient, and shifts in personal energy consumption at the household level. We provide a case study of an environmental justice community in western Massachusetts–a mid-sized city that was an innovative industrial center fueled by hydropower and hydroelectricity from the 19th century onward, but which declined in the mid-20th century as industrial centers powered by fossil fuels drew manufacturing to regions with cheaper labor costs. Low- and middle-income and BIPOC residents of an environmental justice community have faced the challenges of deindustrialization while also organizing to protect their neighborhoods from pollution. Based on data from focus groups, informal interviews, and participant observation, we analyze community members' perspectives on energy access and use and how the transition to a low-carbon renewable energy system could affect their community in positive and negative ways.

Key Questions

What are the main objectives of Massachusetts' 2021 climate law?

The 2021 climate law, known as "An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy," aims to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This involves significant investments in energy infrastructure, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and urban areas, and encouraging shifts in household energy consumption.

How has the historical industrial development in western Massachusetts influenced current environmental justice concerns?

Western Massachusetts was once an innovative industrial center powered by hydropower in the 19th century. However, in the mid-20th century, industrial activities declined as manufacturing moved to regions with cheaper labor costs. This shift led to economic challenges and environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income residents, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. These communities have since organized to protect their neighborhoods from pollution and advocate for environmental justice.

What are the perspectives of community members regarding the transition to a low-carbon renewable energy system?

Community members express both optimism and concern about the energy transition. Positive views include the potential for job creation and improved environmental quality. However, concerns revolve around the affordability of renewable energy solutions, accessibility to energy-efficient technologies, and the need for inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the community's needs and priorities.

What challenges do low- and middle-income and BIPOC residents face in the context of energy transitions?

These residents often encounter challenges such as economic barriers to adopting renewable energy technologies, limited access to information and resources, and historical underrepresentation in policy-making processes. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions to ensure equitable participation and benefits in the energy transition.

What strategies can enhance the equitable implementation of Massachusetts' climate goals in environmental justice communities?

Strategies include engaging community members in the planning and implementation of energy projects, providing financial assistance and incentives for adopting renewable technologies, ensuring transparent communication about the benefits and impacts of energy initiatives, and developing policies that specifically address the needs and challenges of environmental justice communities.