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.

Checksum

704643c3b6163a5f1504e6989791a93e

Download
COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .