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
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Milanzi, Nyasha, "ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES: MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS ENERGY BURDENS AND AIR POLLUTION", Open Access Master's Report, Michigan Technological University, 2025.