The Environmental Concerns of Unionized U.S. Fossil Fuel Workers: Reflexive Critique or Praxis of Delay?

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 6: Environmental Identities and Beliefs

Abstract

This study examines the environmental concerns of unionized energy workers located in the Northeast U.S., interviewed between 2019 and 2021. Twenty-eight energy workers worked directly with fossil fuel energy sources such as coal-fired electric power plants, oil refineries and gas pipelines. Fossil fuel energy workers expressed environmental concerns about topics including climate change, exhibiting both egoistic and altruistic concerns. They brought an insiders’ reflexive critique to the environmental practices of their industry, and some expressed feelings of ambivalence or conflictedness about their work because of their environmental concerns. They also critiqued the environmental sustainability of renewable energy technologies. Some wanted an energy system based on renewables, but wanted solar panels and wind turbines to be made from less toxic and recyclable materials. Others used their critiques as evidence supporting other solutions such as carbon capture, which would allow the continuation of fossil fuel use, engaging in a “praxis of delay” to keep from moving toward low-carbon energy transition. The economic vulnerability of working people in the U.S. presents barriers to bridging the gap between their environmental concerns and participation in working-class environmentalism, pointing to policy solutions.

Author

• Diane M. Sicotte, Drexel University