Normative Dimensions of Sustainable Energy Policy

Ethics, Policy & Environment 14(2): 211-229

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 Last revised: 6 Dec 2013

See all articles by Sanya Carley

Sanya Carley

Indiana University Bloomington - School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Date Written: July 26, 2011

Abstract

Drawing a link between energy policy and sustainable development, this paper explores the normative dimensions of policy analysis that inform energy sector decision-making, and how these norms fall short of incorporating adequate considerations of sustainability. The discussion focuses on the obligations that our present generation has to conserve for future generations, the decision of which discount rate to use, and the importance of citizen-oriented preferences in economic valuation. This analysis concludes with the claim that if sustainability insights are applied to conventional methods of approaching these issues, we may be better prepared to address issues that are unconventional and complex, such as those involving the production and use of energy resources.

Keywords: Energy policy, sustainable development, discount rate, future generations, citizen preferences

Suggested Citation

Carley, Sanya, Normative Dimensions of Sustainable Energy Policy (July 26, 2011). Ethics, Policy & Environment 14(2): 211-229, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1895415

Sanya Carley (Contact Author)

Indiana University Bloomington - School of Public and Environmental Affairs ( email )

1315 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
United States

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