Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Open Access Master's Report

Degree Name

Master of Science in Sustainable Communities (MS)

Administrative Home Department

Department of Social Sciences

Advisor 1

Chelsea Schelly

Committee Member 1

Daniel Shtob

Committee Member 2

Kayla Gabehart

Abstract

This report presents two connected studies focused on environmental justice and community engagement in energy transitions. The first study examines engagement practices in EPA-funded projects using interviews and public abstracts. Applying the EngageINFEWS framework, it analyses stakeholder dynamics and offers recommendations for working with underserved communities. Key insights include addressing power imbalances, securing funding, building capacity, and fostering communication. The second study centres on the REJuST project, which supports energy justice in a rural northern community impacted by public health concerns linked to a bioenergy facility burning wood, paper, plastics, and tire-derived fuels. I use survey data to explore resident perceptions on air pollution, energy burdens, and high energy service needs. Qualitative and quantitative methods used in this report aim to support just energy transitions and build transferable skills for climate and sustainability work.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Available for download on Sunday, October 05, 2025

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