Date of Award:

5-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Environment and Society

Committee Chair(s)

Roslynn G.H. Brain

Committee

Roslynn G.H. Brain

Committee

Richard S. Krannich

Committee

Edwin R. Stafford

Abstract

Renewable energy is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel, and hydroelectric power. Renewable energy sources are a powerful combatant to climate change because they emit little to no carbon dioxide emissions in the electrical generation process. This mixed-methods needs assessment explored the benefits, barriers, and opportunities for renewable energy outreach in Extension on a nationwide and Utah-based scale. Two online surveys and focus group interviews revealed the relative dearth of renewable energy programming currently underway in Extension nationwide. In Utah, more than fifty-five percent of Utah State University (USU) Extension respondents agreed that there was a need for a renewable energy specialist. More than seventy percent of USU Extension respondents’ preferred renewable energy programs to be delivered through a website, fact sheets, and in-person workshops. This study provides a framework upon which nationwide Extension offices may construct energy programs.

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