Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain: a qualitative analysis of wind energy development in Oklahoma USA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Renewable energy development is key to mitigating the impacts of global climate change and creating a future based on a more sustainable energy production system. Wind energy is a popular form of renewable energy, and its development is increasing around the world as part of many different countries’ comprehensive energy plans. However, in some places where wind energy projects are being proposed and promoted, there is pushback at the regional and local scale. Such opposition comes from grassroots coalitions and individual landowners. These barriers to successful wind energy development must be better understood if a broader transition to renewable energy sources is to take place. Current literature has explored a number of facets of wind energy development opposition centered mostly on major patterns of opposition and deconstructing NIMBY (Not-In My-Back-Yard) as a framing tool. This dissertation examines wind energy opposition in the state of Oklahoma through the lens of qualitative analysis of three different types of data. First is analysis of the narratives surrounding wind energy development using the Narrative Policy Framework. Second is an analysis of public comments in the court dockets associated with the failed Wind Catcher wind farm project using a Socio-Ecological System framework. Third is an analysis of interviews with people living or working next to existent wind farms using a Multi-Level Perspective framework. Results indicate that in all cases place-based communication between wind energy developers and local individuals and communities is key. Understanding place-based values provides both evidence of the positive impacts of living near wind installations as well as evidence that can be used to counter barriers imposed by opposition forces.