Enhancing Community Engagement in New England’s Energy Transition

Enhancing community engagement has emerged as a critical priority in New England’s ongoing energy transition. A recent report by the Acadia Center and the Clean Air Task Force underscores that meaningful and structured community involvement is not simply beneficial—it is essential for achieving the region’s 2050 decarbonization targets. Without significant reforms to strengthen engagement practices and modernize permitting and siting procedures, the transition to clean energy risks encountering serious obstacles, including project delays, diminished public trust, and community opposition.