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Wood Energy and Rural Planning: An Analysis of Land Use Policies in the Siting and Regulation of Forest-Based Bioenergy Technologies

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  • Sarah Mittlefehldt

    (Department of Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855, USA)

  • Erin Bunting

    (Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Joseph Welsh

    (Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Emily Silver

    (Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Mya Curth

    (School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Mari McClure

    (Department of Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855, USA)

  • Bradley Neumann

    (Michigan State University Extension, Marquette County Extension Office, Negaunee, MI 49866, USA)

Abstract

Land use regulations have played a critical role in the siting and operation of renewable energy technologies. While there is a growing literature on the siting of wind and solar technologies, less is known about the relationship between local codes and planning decisions and the development of wood-based bioenergy technologies, particularly in rural places. This research examines the relationship between local land use policies and the siting and operation of different types of wood-based bioenergy technologies in northern Michigan, USA. Land use codes including zoning laws and ordinances related to wood-burning devices from 506 cities, townships, and villages within 36 counties in northern Michigan were combined with US Census data in a GIS database. ArcGIS was used to examine geographical differences between communities and socioeconomic factors related to different regulatory approaches. We found that areas with greater population densities and higher income and education levels tended to have more nuanced land use codes related to all scales of wood-burning, including residential wood heating, commercial-scale heating, and power generation. This paper emphasizes the importance of local decision-making and land use policies in shaping the development of wood-based energy technologies, and suggests the need for greater attention to rural community dynamics in planning the shift to a lower-carbon economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Mittlefehldt & Erin Bunting & Joseph Welsh & Emily Silver & Mya Curth & Mari McClure & Bradley Neumann, 2024. "Wood Energy and Rural Planning: An Analysis of Land Use Policies in the Siting and Regulation of Forest-Based Bioenergy Technologies," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:10:p:1569-:d:1487055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jackson, Randall W. & Neto, Amir B. Ferreira & Erfanian, Elham, 2018. "Woody biomass processing: Potential economic impacts on rural regions," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 66-77.
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