Community Perceptions of Energy Justice within Offshore Wind Development in the US Northeast

Led by the University of Rhode Island, with University of Waterloo, Ontario as a partner, this research project uses mixed quantitative and qualitative methodologies to build a holistic understanding of how communities perceive the energy justice dimensions of offshore wind energy development in the Northeast US. The work is funded by the Northeast Sea Grant Consortium, NOAA, and DOE, with local funding provided by the UD DEMEC fellowship program. In part one of the study, interviews were conducted within 7 Indigenous communities (Shinnecock Indian Nation; Mashantucket Peqout Tribe; Mohegan Tribe; Narragansett Indian Tribe; Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah; and Unkechaug Nation) and 5 non-Indigenous communities (East Hampton, NY; New London, CT; Narragansett, RI; New Bedford, MA; and Martha’s Vineyard, MA). In part two of the study, attitudinal surveys are being mailed to households in the non-indigenous communities, allowing for a quantitative analysis of energy justice perceptions and a comparative case analysis across different communities. This study contributes to the understanding of social justice in coastal communities and is intended to help inform offshore wind decision-making. UD’s involvement is led by Co-PI Jeremy Firestone.

An interview being conducted in one of the New England communities.