Key Findings

Overall, the results of our research indicate that residents in communities that will be affected by utility-scale solar are generally supportive. The following points summarize our additional findings:

• As evidenced in the open-ended responses, claims of support for solar did not necessarily equate to a lack of concern over potential outcomes.

• Of the list of possible positive outcomes, job creation and energy were reported to be the most valued. These potential benefits were also cited as the most likely to occur.

• Impact on water and habitat topped the list of those possible negative outcomes over which respondents were most concerned. However, opinion was mixed about their likelihood.

• Respondents also reported to know the least about how water would be impacted but to want more information about it relative to information on other possible outcomes. Open-ended responses also suggested a general concern over water.

• Respondents across the board seem to want more information about issues relevant to solar. While they reported to consume mass media more than other information sources, they tend to value information online and from teachers more.

• They also reported to value information from local governments and advertisers the least. This is consistent with many of the open-ended responses indicating a general mistrust of government organizations and private companies.

• Part of this mistrust appears to come from observation of what has happened in other communities, while some of it appears to come from a belief that they are left in the dark. In fact, the top two reasons people tended not to participate in the BLM process were lack of awareness and lack of belief that their opinions mattered.

• This lack of trust resulted in some believing that taxes will go up, property values will do down, and profits will not come to them. These views were, however, minority views.

• In fact, many are optimistic about job creation and additional energy. The economic impact was one issue over which respondents were split.

• Impact on the environment and land use seemed to be the most divisive issues. Some believe that the land is currently not of much use and should be used productively, while others believe that these facilities will do more harm than good. Yet, these issues do not necessarily correspond directly to support for or opposition to solar.

• Opponents of solar appear to differ the most from supporters in their concern over water resources. Habitat and viewshed appear to be close behind. For their part, supporters seem to value the potential increase in the availability of energy, more jobs, and greater commercial activity. Given that all mean responses to issues of concern fall below three, supporters appear to be generally optimistic whereas opponents tend to be more cynical of the positive outcomes.

We believe these results offer valuable insight into what matters to these residents, what they disagree over, what they know and do not know, and how best the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other stakeholders can engage them.