What explains local policy elites' preferences toward renewable energy/energy efficiency policy?

In this paper, we attempt to identify individual-level determinants that shape renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE/EE) policy adoption decisions, utilizing the grid-group cultural theory (CT) mixed with rational choice perspectives. Through an analysis of data collected from a statewide survey of 420 local policy elites in more than 50 Arkansas cities in 2014, we found that cultural values - particularly those of egalitarianism and individualism - significantly influence RE/EE policy preferences, with egalitarians demonstrating higher support for RE/EE policies and individualists demonstrating lower levels of support. We further found that feasibility considerations - particularly economic and land use feasibility perceptions - significantly influence RE/EE policy preferences, with higher levels of perceived feasibility being associated with higher levels of support for RE/EE policies. However, feasibility perceptions were not strong enough to overcome the effects of cultural values, particularly for egalitarians and individualists. In sum, such feasibility considerations are present in policy elites' related policy preference formation, but are constrained by their cultural value predispositions. We conclude by discussing various ramifications of our research findings.