Planning, managing, and financing growth and decline in energy-resource communities: a case study of western Colorado

Journal Article · · J. Energy Dev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5578622

Lillydahl, J H; Moen, E W

The nation's largest oil shale deposit is Green River Formation, 83% of which is in Colorado. The early 1980s saw boom-and-bust cycles of oil-shale development by companies that did not plan with local communities. The authors focus on the experience of Meeker, Colorado, a county seat rich in coal, natural gas, and oil shale. Because the county is recognized nationally for its attempts to minimize the social and economic costs to its residents of energy production, and because Meeker is also committed to planned, orderly growth that pays for itself, the town is presented as an example of a best case resource community. The authors consider the forecasting of population growth and other impacts, growth management, and the financing of growth in the contexts of an anticipated boom and an unanticipated bust. 36 references, 1 figure.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
• OSTI ID: 5578622
• Journal Information: J. Energy Dev.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Energy Dev.; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN JENDD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
530200* -- Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies-- Assessment of Energy Technologies-- (-1989)
BOOM TOWNS
COLORADO
FEDERAL REGION VIII
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
USA