ReJUST

A group of Michigan Tech researchers are studying energy transition pathways that enhance the well-being of underserved rural communities through improved public health, economic opportunity, and energy justice. Their project is titled, "Drivers of Energy Service Transitions and lmpacts on Well-being in Forest Dependent Rural Communities."

Awarded via the Environmental Protection Agency's Science to Achieve Results (EPA STAR) program, the Renewable Energy Justice through Service Transitions (ReJUST) project is being conducted in partnership with the Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment. The Michigan Tech researchers involved in this project include Dr. Chelsea Schelly (Social Sciences), Dr. Judith Perlinger (Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering), Dr. Ana Dyreson (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), Dr. Jenny Apriesnig (Business), Dr. Sarah Green (Chemistry), Dr. Shiliang Wu (Geological and Mining Engineering & Sciences), and Dr. Jiehong Guo (Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering).

This project involves community engagement with local residents in Houghton and Baraga Counties in Michigan. By building a relationship with the Natural Resources Department of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community through previously funded research projects such as MICARES and TLS, project personnel have experience conducting research in partnership with KBIC and had learned about local concerns regarding the public health impacts of a local bioenergy generation facility. In this project, we are aiming to address local concerns regarding public health impacts of energy generation in their community while also holistically considering the impacts of bioenergy and the potential transition to other forms of renewable energy for economic opportunity, environmental systems, and public health. The project aims to provide information that can be used to guide decision making so that energy transitions are aligned with community member preferences and priorities and decision makers have additional information about the potential impacts of energy transitions choices.

The Researchers