Dataset of Renewable Energy Opposition Groups in the United States

The pace of large-scale renewable energy development in the United States (US) has accelerated recently due to increased electricity demand, declining costs, and states attempting to both decarbonize and electrify. Despite this acceleration, many large-scale renewable energy projects stall due to organized efforts led by residents opposed to development. Previous studies have illuminated concerns residents have about renewables and documented specific instances in which municipalities have passed restrictive zoning ordinances or moratoriums to delay renewable development. Yet no comprehensive studies exist describing the number and type of organized opposition groups operating in the US, nor how their efforts contribute to the success or failure of renewable energy development. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of primary datasets and media accounts to construct a comprehensive dataset documenting 563 organized renewable energy opposition groups operating in the US. The dataset identifies the groups’ names and size, primary modes of organization, and location, and the number, name and size of the projects they oppose. Importantly, this dataset affords researchers the opportunity to assess the impact of these groups’ work on the success or failure of a given project.