Renewable energy, neoliberal governance and the tragedy of the Cornish commons

In this commentary I explore new forms of government-sponsored neoliberal environmental governance being pursued under the banner of the green economy to promote renewable energy in the UK. Drawing on analysis of the UK feed-in tariff and controversies over single wind turbine developments in Cornwall, I highlight problematic features of combining centrally-driven government agendas with market instruments for the safeguarding of procedural and distributive justice in local planning procedures. I conclude by offering brief suggestions for reinserting local justice into decision-making on renewable energy siting.