How are coastal community members thinking about offshore wind? What are the primary interests and concerns – and how do these vary within and between West Coast port towns? Are local residents engaging in “community benefit agreement” planning – and if so, how do they feel about these processes? Do residents have access to clear, accurate, and current information about wind development plans and opportunities within their own community?
Over the past two years, researchers from Oregon State University (OSU), along with partners from the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt, the University of Washington, the University of Delaware, and the University of Maine, have conducted a study on community perspectives on offshore wind development. On the West Coast, the team has interviewed and surveyed residents in three coastal communities – Humboldt Bay, California; Coos Bay, Oregon; and Westport, Washington – to better understand the emerging themes and differences along the coastal region.
The community is invited to join the OSU and Schatz Center teams for a discussion of their preliminary findings, on Wednesday, January 14, from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. Presenters will include Julia Bingham of Oregon State, and Tanner Etherton and Lauren Hart of the Schatz Center.
This event is free and open to the public, and pizza and drinks will be provided. Please note that the discussion will not be filmed or live streamed, although a summary of findings will be available in mid-2026. For questions or accessibility requests, please contact schatzenergy@humboldt.edu or call 707-826-4345.