Eric Godoy

The transition to renewable energy is well underway and energy scholars have called for more engagement from normative fields to help guide a just transition. This project unites the normative, theoretical work of environmental ethics and politics with the empirical field of energy studies to defend an account of energy democracy, a transition framework that embraces democratic ideals—e.g., equity, transparency, and shared power. This framework best avoids reproducing the injustices of the fossil fuel era. Relatively few philosophers have written on energy transition justice. A careful conceptual analysis of democracy resolves some tensions in its often-contradictory ideals as well as reinforces the connection between democratization and justice. By contrast, alternative forms of nondemocratic power endemic to the fossil fuel energy system have given rise to a host of justice issues. A defense of democracy is crucial given the growing cries to bypass democratic procedures from technocrats and ecofascists.