ABSTRACT
Energy is in the midst of far-reaching changes due to rising energy costs, geopolitical shifts, and concern about climate change. Energy supply and use are linked to local economic development, jobs, and quality of life. Residents, industry, and transportation systems all rely on energy. Any local planning process should therefore consider energy. Adequate energy supply must keep pace with community growth, or the local economy will suffer (the California energy crisis of 2000/2001 illustrated this; the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group reported that each rolling blackout, which averaged 90 minutes in length, cost local industry upwards of $50 million). Energy conservation is also important, not just to save money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but to reduce our carbon footprint.
