Treating Communities as Partners in the Clean Energy Transition

On Monday, June 8, from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M., New Yorkers for Clean Power Renewable Energy Speaker Series hosted, Dr. Dominic Balog-Way, Co-Director of Cornell University's Risk Communication Research Group and co-author of a white paper on community engagement for renewable energy development. The title of the talk is: "Treating Communities as Partners in the Clean Energy Transition."
The clean energy transition depends on strong relationships between renewable energy developers and the communities that host projects. Yet even well-designed projects can encounter conflict, delays, and opposition when local concerns are not addressed effectively. Drawing on three decades of research and case studies from across New York State, Dominic presented key findings from a white paper on strategic community engagement. Meaningful engagement depends on developers, communities, advocates, and public officials working together. As a result, the report offers valuable insights for anyone interested in strengthening public engagement, building trust, and improving decision-making on renewable energy.
During the presentation we learned what research tells us about trust, fairness, transparency, community concerns, and the conditions that help create more constructive dialogue. The session also explored how developers, advocates, and communities can work together to support both successful clean energy projects and the places people call home.