Maddy Kroot

Education

Ph.D. Geography, Clark University

M.A. Geography, Clark University

B.A. Geography and Linguistics, Dartmouth College

Interests

Energy Geographies, Energy Transitions, Political Ecology, Science and Technology Studies (STS), Critical Infrastructure Studies, Utilities and Grid Governance

Research Areas

My research examines the spatial and environmental politics of energy transitions, with a focus on the electricity grid. How can we think spatially about justice, democracy, expertise, and participation in and through energy transitions and infrastructure systems?

I explore how “green-on-green” conflict arises when the need for decarbonization comes into friction with mandates for greater public participation in energy governance and the protection of (especially rural) landscapes targeted for new energy infrastructure. One research project examines community opposition to new high-voltage transmission lines in northern New England, intended to increase imports of Quebecois hydroelectricity to Massachusetts to meet Massachusetts’s decarbonization targets. The project considers transmission both as a mechanism for grid decarbonization and a locus for community contestation over how decisions are made about the energy future – where, by whom, and via what logics. Building from this work on opposition to transmission projects, my second research project focuses on the role of grid operators in regional energy transitions and the emergence of grid activism as a strategy targeting regional grids as the objects of energy, environmental, and climate justice organizing.

Campus Affiliations

Energy Analysis and Policy Program

Holtz Center for Science & Technology Studies

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

Professional Affiliations

Secretary, Energy and Environment Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers

Select Publications

Kroot, M. (2024). Making the energy connection: A review of the geographies of high-voltage transmission. Progress in Environmental Geography, 3(4), 311-331. https://doi.org/10.1177/27539687241290822

Kroot, M. (2024). How to build a powerline: Fast policies for decarbonization, the slow work of public participation, and the profitability of energy capital. Energy Research & Social Science, 117, 103730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103730

Kroot, M. (2020/21). “New Hampshire is Not Your Extension Cord:” Understanding Opposition to Transmission Lines in Northern New England. Northeastern Geographer, 12: 71-91.

Graduate Student Recruitment:

I welcome graduate students with interests in political ecology, energy geographies, science and technology studies (STS), and critical infrastructure studies. I am especially interested in prospective advisees interested in the politics of energy infrastructure and questions of public participation in energy governance. Interested students should contact me over email with a brief explanation of their research interests and a copy of their CV.

Notice:
I am only considering recruitment for Fall 2027 at this time.