Clean energy advocacy in Pennsylvania: Strategy insights from selected nonprofits

Abstract

Reliance on extractive, polluting energy sources is one of the largest contributors to climate change and a barrier to the realization of a sustainable future. Energy powers a massive number of activities in the United States; thus, decisions regarding future energy sources will characterize the trajectory of global warming. In the state of Pennsylvania, the transition to clean energy—namely, solar, wind, and hydropower—is a slow process facing greater resistance than in its neighboring states. To combat challenges such as political tension and a status quo of harnessing fossil fuel power, environmental nonprofits have a long and ongoing history of advocacy for clean energy. The aim of this thesis is to examine which advocacy strategies environmental professionals have considered effective in increasing support for renewable energy investment and widespread use. Through a literature review and qualitative interviews with 12 professionals working at Pennsylvania environmental nonprofits, this study identifies recommendations for overcoming obstacles to the growth of clean energy. Interview analysis and coding revealed that environmental advocates advise using strategic messaging, building relationships with affected communities and relevant stakeholders, engaging in coalitions, taking advantage of clean energy funding and resources, and lobbying for environmental policies as well as electing supportive legislators. This qualitative research in Pennsylvania demonstrates that tactical methodology and consideration of psychological factors can increase effectiveness of clean energy advocacy. Most significantly, the results of this study can assist environmental advocates in overcoming barriers to clean energy acceptance and ultimately, advancing widespread renewable energy use in Pennsylvania.