Course: BFM 101 Biofuels Fundamentals

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Determining Economic Costs and Benefits of Energy …
Community Participation in Renewable Energy Develo…

Conclusions
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The sustainability of decisions made at the community level will be influenced by the impacts on social, environmental, and economic status of the community. Approaches that consider ways to reduce negative impacts and enhance positive community impacts will have better likelihood of support and prolonged success.  When considering a bioenergy project, the community should evaluate the community’s entire socioeconomic system to consider if the bioenergy project fits into the local system and meets community goals.  If it does, decision makers must objectively consider the positive and negative aspects of the project and its long-term consequences for the community.  If the project does not fit into the existing socioeconomic structure, and does not move the community toward its goals, then the community and those proposing the venture must determine if modifications and compromises can be struck to accommodate the new venture.  A poor fit, however strongly advocated by backers, will rarely result in an enterprise that is embraced by the local community.

Renewable energy can provide a means for communities to grow local economies, reduce their carbon footprints, maintain their working lands and become more energy independent.  But renewable energy projects also affect existing businesses, the environment, and the broader community.  By embracing and managing the issues surrounding renewable energy development, communities increase their odds of successfully developing the types of projects that make sense for the community, the local economy, and the environment.

Resources provided by the eXtension Farm Energy Community of Practice at http://www.extension.org/ag+energy

Determining Economic Costs and Benefits of Energy …
Community Participation in Renewable Energy Develo…