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Utility-Scale Solar in the Great Lakes: Analyzing Community Reactions to Solar Developments

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  • Emma Uebelhor

    (Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Olivia Hintz

    (Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Sarah B. Mills

    (Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Abigail Randall

    (Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA)

Abstract

In the coming years, it is expected that reliance on utility-scale solar projects for energy production will increase exponentially. As a result, communities throughout the Midwest will become potential solar facility hosts. Previous research has sought to identify factors that influence community support and opposition to solar developments throughout the country. This paper builds upon prior research by examining community perceptions about the economic, environmental, local and global impact of solar projects in four Great Lakes states using a content analysis of local newspaper articles. Ultimately, this paper identifies the most common perceptions of solar facilities and offers some preliminary suggestions on strategies to mitigate the most prevalent concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Uebelhor & Olivia Hintz & Sarah B. Mills & Abigail Randall, 2021. "Utility-Scale Solar in the Great Lakes: Analyzing Community Reactions to Solar Developments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1677-:d:493177
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felipe Teixeira Dias & Gisele Mazon & Priscila Cembranel & Robert Birch & José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra, 2022. "Land Use and Global Environmental Change: An Analytical Proposal Based on A Systematic Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.

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