Work

How to conceptualise energy law and policy for an interdisciplinary audience: The case of post-Brexit UK

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Interdisciplinary energy research is essential. It advances our understanding of potential transitions from high to low carbon energy systems. However, it is easier to propose than deliver. It requires translation into a simpler language, to aid communication, but not at the expense of the conceptual language that drives our understanding of complex energy systems. We combine legal, political science, and policy studies to show how to balance the need to communicate accessibly and recognise legal and policymaking complexity. We begin with a statement so accepted in legal studies that it has become a truism: the law in the books is not the same as the law in action. The allocation of legal competences is only one influence on policymaking in a complex system. We describe three key ways to conceptualise this relationship between law, policy, and energy systems, focusing on the: (1) ‘on paper’ legal separation of powers between different governments, (2) interaction between law and policy in practice, including blurry boundaries between formal responsibility and informal influence, and (3) role of law as one of many contributors to policymaking. We use these approaches to explain the implications of Brexit for UK energy policy.

Source: Energy Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.02.022

Authors: Paul Cairney, Aileen McHarg, Nicola McEwen, Karen Turner

Institutions: University of Stirling, UK Energy Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, University of Edinburgh

Language: English

Topic: Energy Law and Policy

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,150