Geothermal development attitudes surveyed

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Geotherm. Hot Line; (United States)

OSTI ID:6951797

The State of Hawaii has conducted several surveys on public opinion towards the development of geothermal energy. The latest poll was designed to: measure public opinion in the County of Hawaii relevant to geothermal development for electrical power supplied to Island of Hawaii residents only; measure public opinion in the County of Hawaii relevant to geothermal development of electricity to be exported for use on Oahu; and identify barriers to, and opportunities for energy conservation programs, including geothermal development. In general, the residents of the County of Hawaii favor some form of geothermal development. Issues on geothermal development of concern to the public were similar to those mentioned in the 1982 study. Basically, the issues amount to a trade-off between the economic advantages and the environmental problems of geothermal development. The strong points in favor of development include a perceived need for more energy, a strong preference for alternate energy forms over petroleum, perceived benefits for the local economy and the employment rates, and the possibility that development may reduce or contain utility bills. On the other hand, it appears that geothermal development will cause health problems for those who live near the wells, be hazardous to flora and fauna in the Puna area, and create noise and odor above tolerable levels. These are oversimplified statements of the reasons behind both support and opposition for geothermal development.

• OSTI ID: 6951797
• Journal Information: Geotherm. Hot Line; (United States), Journal Name: Geotherm. Hot Line; (United States) Vol. 16:1-2; ISSN GHLID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150400* -- Geothermal Energy-- Legislation & Regulations
CONSTRAINTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEDERAL REGION IX
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
HAWAII
NOISE POLLUTION
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
POWER GENERATION
POWER TRANSMISSION
PUBLIC OPINION
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCES
SURVEYS
USA