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Abstract
Recent United States energy policies have sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping fuel and electricity prices affordable. For example, continued promotion of the burgeoning natural gas and renewable energy industries, along with the installation of new utility infrastructure, could provide extensive economic benefits. However, in each of these industries, local communities have faced disamenities, often without sharing in the associated benefits. Citizens have responded by opposing development, resulting in outcomes that range from delays caused by prolonged zoning hearings, to statewide bans on unconventional natural gas development. This suggests that policymakers must understand and address disamenities, or else risk the creation of inequities or the prevention of otherwise welfare-improving investments. This dissertation is comprised of three essays, each of which aims to develop our understanding of the distribution of costs and benefits near energy developments, and the extent to which public policy can modify them to promote the well-being of both local communities and society.
