Energy Policy And Land Use Planning

The development of alternative forms of energy supply since the mid-1970s has brought with it a range of new issues and concerns, ranging from nuclear waste disposal to land use planning for energy efficiency. This latest volume in the acclaimed Energy Policy Studies series brings together an interdisciplinary group of researchers to examine the relationship between energy and planning policy, with emphasis on urban and regional impacts.Like other volumes in the series, the articles included focus on the social, political, and economic dimensions of energy technology, resources, and use. The emphasis on issues of technological scale, resource allocation, environmental impact and quality, and urban and regional studies makes this a unique contribution to the literature.Contents: "Creating Land-Energy Transitions," by Andrew F. Huston, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; "Land Use Planning for Energy Efficiency," by Susan E. Owens, Cambridge University; "Nuclear Waste Landscapes," by Barry Solomon, U.S. Energy Information Administration; "Economic Development, Growth and Land Use Planning in Oil and Gas Producing Regions," by Robert L. Mansell, University of Calgary; "The Land Use Focus of Energy Impacts," by M. J. Pasqualetti, Arizona State University; "Energy Use and Land Use," by Stephen Lonergan, McMaster University; and a concluding essay by J. Barry Cullingworth, University of Delaware.

"The initiation of a policy of energy efficient land use planning is a difficult proposition since it requires a long term commitment and there are relatively few immediate returns as there are for example, when you "turn off the lights". As a result, a, strategy for energy conservation through land use planning did not become immediately significant after the "oil crisis" in 1973"--Preface.

This book fills a gap in the available literature on energy policy by dealing with the relationship between energy and land-use planning. It considers, in a systematic way, energy developments in national, regional and local planning policy contexts, concentrating particularly on energy supply issues in Europe.

The development of alternative forms of energy supply since the mid-1970s has brought with it a range of new issues and concerns, ranging from nuclear waste disposal to land use planning for energy efficiency. This latest volume in the acclaimed Energy Policy Studies series brings together an interdisciplinary group of researchers to examine the relationship between energy and planning policy, with emphasis on urban and regional impacts.Like other volumes in the series, the articles included focus on the social, political, and economic dimensions of energy technology, resources, and use. The emphasis on issues of technological scale, resource allocation, environmental impact and quality, and urban and regional studies makes this a unique contribution to the literature.Contents: "Creating Land-Energy Transitions," by Andrew F. Huston, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; "Land Use Planning for Energy Efficiency," by Susan E. Owens, Cambridge University; "Nuclear Waste Landscapes," by Barry Solomon, U.S. Energy Information Administration; "Economic Development, Growth and Land Use Planning in Oil and Gas Producing Regions," by Robert L. Mansell, University of Calgary; "The Land Use Focus of Energy Impacts," by M. J. Pasqualetti, Arizona State University; "Energy Use and Land Use," by Stephen Lonergan, McMaster University; and a concluding essay by J. Barry Cullingworth, University of Delaware.

This book reconciles competing and sometimes contradictory forms of land use, while also promoting sustainable land use options. It highlights land use planning, spatial planning, territorial (or regional) planning, and ecosystem-based or environmental land use planning as tools that strengthen land governance. Further, it demonstrates how to use these types of land-use planning to improve economic opportunities based on sustainable management of land resources, and to develop land use options that strike a balance between conservation and development objectives. Competition for land is increasing as demand for multiple land uses and ecosystem services rises. Food security issues, renewable energy and emerging carbon markets are creating pressures for the conversion of agricultural land to other uses such as reforestation and biofuels. At the same time, there is a growing demand for land in connection with urbanization and recreation, mining, food production, and biodiversity conservation. Managing the increasing competition between these services, and balancing different stakeholders’ interests, requires efficient allocation of land resources.