Unpacking the idea of democratic community consent-based siting for energy infrastructure

We highlight issues relevant to a consent-based siting process for energy facilities with the intent to inform government officials, planners, and stakeholders on potential critical issues and challenges associated with such a process. In this paper we trace the history and meaning of "consent" in the academic literature associated with medical ethics, research ethics, international development, and political theory. We identify key themes and challenges to consider in the design of a consent-based process for energy-related facilities. Successful design and implementation of a consent-based process that communities and stakeholders find legitimate, effective, and practical will require careful reflection and attention to procedures for operationalizing core principles of consent and addressing challenges that can undermine them.