Safeguarding Communities Through Community Benefits Plans for Energy Infrastructure Projects
Key Ideas
  • The transformation of US energy infrastructure presents opportunities and challenges for communities, especially those near oil and gas installations.
  • Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) are required for large-scale energy facilities funded by the DOE to ensure community representation and maximize local benefits.
  • CBPs aim to engage communities, invest in the workforce, advance diversity and equity, and implement the Justice40 Initiative, though they lack a focus on harm reduction.
  • Efforts are being made to evaluate the effectiveness of CBPs in improving community engagement, benefits sharing, and minimizing negative impacts in energy infrastructure projects.
The United States is undergoing a significant transformation in its energy infrastructure to achieve ambitious climate goals and support a low-carbon economy, attracting substantial investments in the process. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges for communities, particularly those near existing oil and gas facilities. The Biden-Harris administration's initiatives and DOE efforts, such as Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, are driving large investments towards sustainable energy projects. However, these developments can pose social and environmental risks to frontline communities, known as fossil fuel communities, which have historically faced pollution and health issues. To address these challenges and ensure community benefits, the DOE mandates the submission of Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) for energy facilities funded through various initiatives. While CBPs aim to engage communities, invest in the workforce, and promote diversity and inclusion, they currently lack a specific focus on harm reduction. The effectiveness of CBPs is under evaluation to enhance community representation, benefits sharing, and mitigate negative impacts. As the clean energy transition progresses, CBPs play a crucial role in structuring community engagement, influencing project decisions, and improving local social, economic, and environmental conditions. By involving communities in planning and decision-making processes, CBPs aim to generate support for projects, reduce risks, and ensure positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved. The ongoing assessment of CBPs will guide future efforts in enhancing community engagement, fostering economic development, and promoting environmental justice in energy infrastructure projects.
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