Public Participation in Energy Facility Siting II: Future Directions

Abstract

The first planning era for energy facility siting was typified by technological decision making in a climate of eminent domain. The second planning era, from 1970 to present, involves regulatory/adjudicatory decision making in a climate of adversarial proceedings. However, outcomes are not much different than in the first: Decisions are still largely made on technological grounds, sites are secretly selected and anonymously secured, and public participation has little effect on decisions. The result has been endgame litigation that delays needed projects, increases cost, and polarizes participants. Utilities are understandably reluctant to plan large base‐load plants, yet almost all projections of electricity use indicate that such plants will be needed after 1996, if not before. It is in the self‐interest of all three principal actors—industry, environmental groups, and state and local government—to move beyond confrontation to a third planning era based on negotiation. Unassisted negotiation (open siting or open planning) and assisted negotiation (facilitation and mediation) promise to produce mutual gain for all parties through cooperative and creative problem solving. Most importantly, they lay the groundwork for future productive interaction. Utilities are in an excellent position to take a leading role in promoting such negotiations.