Communities and Offshore Wind: Learning from Two Maine Rural Coastal Communities

Communities and Offshore Wind: Learning from Two Maine Rural Coastal Communities

Amber Schultz

Description

Maine is expected to be a leader in offshore wind development. As planning for offshore wind development advances, there remain uncertainties regarding the potential positive and negative impacts on Maine’s rural coastal communities. Through stakeholder interviews and surveys in two rural communities in Maine, our project aims to understand community perceptions, preferences and expectations regarding offshore wind and how these views change over time. Understanding expectations and preferences regarding impacts can aid offshore wind development related decision-making processes. When complete, this research will provide actionable information to decision makers, developers, and community leaders for developing and negotiating equitable community benefits.