Strategies for Urban Development in Energy-Rich Towns
In the heart of America's rural landscapes, a shift towards sustainable energy development is taking shape. Strategies for community planning in these areas are evolving to encompass economic diversification, permanent funding solutions, and careful consideration of land use and environmental factors.
This approach could prove invaluable for local governments, offering them access to expertise on the issue and aiding in facilitation, coordination, and communication across jurisdictions. Building a pro-active energy development network requires trust, and transparent communications is the recommended approach.
State and regional governments, along with organisations like Extension, play a crucial role in providing education, information, and technical assistance to rural communities for planning purposes. One such example is the planning process developed by The Ohio State University Extension team, which helps communities prepare for the short- and long-term impacts of shale development. This process was published in the Journal of Extension in an article titled "Building Sustainability in Gas and Oil Producing Communities" (Romich, Bowen-Ellzey, Moss, Bond and Civittolo, 2015).
Community sustainability planning is essential for communities to leverage benefits while reducing losses resulting from the boom-bust cycle of energy development. One strategy that has gained traction is the establishment of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs). These legally binding contracts between project developers and community groups guarantee measurable local benefits, such as funding for affordable housing, environmental mitigation, and infrastructure projects identified by communities.
Other strategies emphasise raising awareness through education and training about sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy infrastructure, efficient transportation, and improved sanitation, which enhance rural quality of life while reducing environmental impacts. Empowerment of local small businesses with financial support, technical aid, and market access is also critical to preserve cultural heritage and stimulate rural economies.
State and regional governments, development organisations, and entities like Extension can assist by providing policy, regulatory, and financial guidance based on analysis and risk assessment to reduce project uncertainties and design effective local energy plans. They can offer technical assistance and tailored resources to help local governments manage renewable energy growth, including navigating regulatory frameworks and community engagement processes.
Supporting local leadership and solutions via evidence-based federal and state rural policy reforms that leverage community assets, promote equity, and improve resilience is another key aspect. Organising workshops, training programs, and outreach through Extension services can help build community capacity, awareness, and sustainable mindsets among rural residents.
Ohio State University Extension delivered over 200 shale energy programs to 16,000 participants in Ohio between 2010 and 2015. A need for creating trained circuit-rider shared positions that work across several local governments, focusing on unconventional oil and gas activity, has been identified. Most energy boomtowns are rural and often lack the resources and capacity to plan. Planning that focuses on building capacity, increasing transparency, and building a strong collaboration across jurisdictions can ensure long-term success.
Figure 1 illustrates the planning process discussed in the article. The research discussed in this fact sheet series is based on the project "Maximizing the Gains of Old and New Energy Development for America's Rural Communities." Together, these efforts ensure that energy development projects respect rural realities, generate tangible community benefits, promote sustainability, and build long-term regional prosperity.
[1] Romich, L., Bowen-Ellzey, J., Moss, T., Bond, D., & Civittolo, J. (2015). Building Sustainability in Gas and Oil Producing Communities. Journal of Extension, 53(3), Article 3RIB1. [2] Ohio State University Extension. (2015). Maximizing the Gains of Old and New Energy Development for America's Rural Communities. Fact Sheet Series. [3] USDA Rural Development. (2015). Building a Stronger Rural America: The Role of Extension in Rural Communities. [4] US Environmental Protection Agency. (2015). Planning for Sustainable Energy Development in Rural Communities. [5] National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2015). Technical Assistance for Renewable Energy Development in Rural Communities.
- The use of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in rural areas can guarantee measurable benefits like funding for affordable housing, environmental mitigation, and infrastructure projects, helping to sustain communities during oil-and-gas development periods.
- For local governments seeking policy, regulatory, and financial guidance, state and regional governments, development organizations, and entities like Extension can offer expert advice on managing renewable energy growth and navigating regulatory frameworks.
- Education, information, and technical assistance provided by State and regional governments, as well as organizations like Extension, have proven crucial in preparing rural communities for the long-term impacts of oil-and-gas development, fostering sustainable mindsets and enhancing regional prosperity.
