Electric Mountains: Climate, Power, and Justice in an Energy Transition

Electric Mountains examines opposition to wind energy in an environmentally progressive region. It contextualizes opposition within regional culture and political economy and uses environmental sociology to illuminate wind energy’s contested role in transitioning North America’s electricity grid away from fossil fuels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Climate change has evolved from a potential threat of the future to a prevailing reality. As environmentally conscious electricity consumers, we strive to contribute to the transition away from fossil fuels, but it is essential to understand our role in this transformative process. In one of North America's most progressive regions, committed environmentalists are fervently advocating for energy policies that address the urgent climate crisis. Wind turbines, perched atop Northern New England's iconic ridgelines, have become symbolic representations of the energy transition they long envisioned. However, for others, these wind turbines evoke a different perspective. When assessing the costs and benefits of ridgeline wind locally and globally, some opponents now view them as symbols of corrupted energy politics.

This book emerged from extensive research conducted over several years, aimed at unraveling the profound division caused by wind turbines within environmentalist communities and various communities. Through this critical examination, it sheds light on the roadmap for energy transition delineated by Northern New England's ridgeline wind projects. It uncovers how ridgeline wind aligns with outdated social structures that perpetuate corporate energy interests, hindering the swift and equitable de-carbonization required by climate predictions. Consequently, this book suggests that the energy transition of which we are a part may not be the one we would have envisioned if given the opportunity.

The shift towards renewable energy sources, including wind power, is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, the implementation of these projects must be approached with a comprehensive understanding of their social, economic, and environmental implications. This book aims to provide a nuanced analysis of the ridgeline wind phenomenon, exploring its potential benefits and challenges and examining how it fits into the broader landscape of energy transition.

One of the primary benefits of ridgeline wind is its potential to generate clean and renewable electricity. Wind turbines can harness the power of the wind and convert it into electricity, providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Ridgeline wind projects also have the potential to create economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas where job creation is needed. The construction and operation of wind turbines can stimulate local economies, providing jobs and supporting local businesses.

However, ridgeline wind projects also come with their share of challenges. One of the most significant concerns is the impact on wildlife and habitat. Wind turbines can have a negative impact on bird populations, particularly migratory birds that rely on the landscape for navigation. Additionally, wind turbines can alter the natural habitat of wildlife, displacing or harming animals and plants.

Another challenge is the visual impact of wind turbines on the landscape. While some argue that wind turbines are an attractive addition to the landscape, others view them as an eyesore that detracts from the natural beauty of the area. The placement and design of wind turbines can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of the landscape, and it is important to find a balance between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of natural resources.

In addition to these challenges, there are also concerns about the social and economic impacts of ridgeline wind. Some communities may feel that the benefits of wind turbines.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978820692