Public Acceptance of Wind Energy in Massachusetts: Factors, Implications

Contemporary Science Issues and Innovations
May 14, 2013, Belmont Media Center, Belmont MA

Maria Petrova, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Center for International Environment and Resource Policy, Tufts University
meet Maria Petrova, PhD

Public support for renewable energies is an important consideration for policy-makers at the state and local level. Wind energy, which is particularly suitable to some areas of Massachusetts, has been broadly accepted where it has been deployed so far. However, communities may differ considerably in their perceptions. Dr. Petrova considers the numerous factors that shape public attitudes toward wind energy, including economic, aesthetic and environmental concerns. In this presentation she explains differences of perception and experience in the Massachusetts communities of Falmouth, Hull and Kingston and how such views impact policy.

Maria Petrova received her PhD in Environmental Science from Oregon State University in 2010. Her research in Oregon focused on public acceptability of wave energy technology, a major renewable energy form there. She has emphasized the importance of public opinion in the shaping renewable energy policies. Dr. Petrova also does comparative research on renewable energy policies in the US and the EU. She won first place at the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) in Spain in 2010.

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