Energy justice, renewable energy, and the rural-urban divide: Insights from the Southwest U.S.

This study uses energy justice (particularly, distributive and recognition as justice dimensions) to compare a rural and an urban population living near or receiving energy from a large-scale solar-wind energy park in Arizona, in the southwest United States. The authors found that climate change is shaping ways renewable energy is being used today (and changed over time) by different actors in their communities as well as by local organizations serving low-income individuals. Small-scale, renewable energy projects better served these groups. There was more governmental and non-profit organization support for these projects in the urban site than the rural area. Adverse effects of large-scale projects on communities and wildlife were not being addressed via benefits or profit sharing. Policy and program recommendations such as adding small-scale solar capacity to the existing utility service portfolio, as well as increasing funding for local energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives for low-income housing and non-residential initiatives like community gardens and community centers conclude the article.