Renewable Energy Federalism 2.0

Much like climate change, the clean energy transition presents a “super wicked” problem that is further complicated by prioritizing justice. History has taught us that government regulation, industry innovation, and community engagement are the catalysts of effective transitions. Similarly, the just energy transition requires the support of these interconnected networks. This Essay offers sustainable collaborative governance as a theoretical framework through which decision-makers may filter their assessments, industry can model its metrics, and community can develop language to articulate its needs.

Sustainable collaborative governance is also a means of navigating the complexities of renewable energy siting and regulation while fostering resilience, community engagement, and holistic governance that prioritizes long-term sustainability. By integrating diverse perspectives and values across sectors, Renewable Energy Federalism 2.0 positions itself as a viable pathway toward achieving a just and sustainable energy transition amid political and regulatory uncertainties.