Governing energy in conflicted resource contexts: Culture, cost, and carbon in the decision-making criteria of the Navajo Nation. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Necefer, Len; Wong-Parodi, Gabrielle; Small, Mitchell J.
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 70(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Energy development -- Cultural values -- Indigenous communities -- Environment -- Decision aids; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101714
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Highlights: Cultural impact information not shown to have a significant impact on risk perception. Cultural impacts could be synonymous with environmental impacts. Uncertainty information moderated views on the acceptability of certain types of energy development. Abstract: A sustainable energy future requires both technological advancement and understanding factors that drive attitudes and behaviors on energy consumption. Culture can influence preferences for sources of energy, consumption behavior, and incentives to change behavior. This paper examines, through two studies, the influence of various cultural, environmental, and economic outcome information provided through a decision aid for energy development on the Navajo Nation. Fossil fuel resources on the Navajo Nation have a long history of development while renewable resources are more recent. The studies elicited subject beliefs and preferences related to the type and scale of energy development, trust of decision makers, and larger concern for environmental protection. Both found strong preference for renewable development before and after exposure to the tools this preference increased when participants were exposed to uncertainty information. Individuals did not seem moved by culturally specific impact information; environmental impact information may instead be a stand-in for these outcomes. In study 1, without uncertainty, older individuals were more likely to prefer large, centralized projects that are fossil fuel based than their younger counterparts. By and large, participants held positive views about energy development resulting in economic benefit, however these views were moderated following provisions of outcome uncertainty information. Future research should consider exploring cultural framings in other societies and contexts. In study 2, tools with uncertainty information did not appear to change the direction of these overarching preferences. The uncertainty information appeared to strengthen positions with participants preference for renewable sources.