The goal is to analyze impacts of current energy systems and pathways for energy transitions that enhance well-being through improved public health, economic opportunity, and energy justice outcomes…

The goal is to analyze impacts of current energy systems and pathways for energy transitions that enhance well-being through improved public health, economic opportunity, and energy justice outcomes with a focus on underserved communities, including a tribal nation and rural communities, in a forest-dependent region in northern michigan.activities:the project will: 1) quantify the impacts of wood, paper, plastics, and tire-derived fuels (WPPT) energy generation in terms of economic well-being at the household and community scale and of air quality affecting human health; 2) evaluate the impacts and potential transition drivers associated with local use of fuelwood along with improved ventilation and energy efficiency options; and 3) assess the potential decarbonization of the electric power sector to provide economic benefits and secure access to energy services in ways that enhance the manufacturing sector as well as community and household well-being in terms of air quality, public health and energy justice.subrecipient:subawardee center for energy and environment will contribute to protocol development in all aspects of indoor air quality research and residential energy audit and energy assessments. ($135,000)outcomes:deliverables include annual and final research reports. Other expected deliverables include reports and journal publications documenting results of the research. Expected outcomes include improved understanding of: 1) the air quality impacts of WPPT energy production for underserved communities; 2) impacts of current energy services provision on indoor air quality and potential drivers to increase energy efficiency and use of wood products in ways that do not have negative public health impacts; and 3) potential drivers of a transition in forest product use that can support just energy services access as well as economic well-being for households, communities, and industries that enhance employment opportunities in underserved communities. Direct beneficiaries of this project include rural communities and tribal nations in forest dependent areas in the great lakes region as researchers working with similar communities to address environmental concerns associated with large-scale changes in the energy systems.