David Bidwell, a professor of marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island, will present findings from his research on offshore wind community discussions at a public event scheduled for April 27 in Dundalk, Maryland.
The presentation aims to inform area residents about previous research and local conversations concerning offshore wind energy development. The session will also address community priorities and concerns related to these activities.
Bidwell’s work at the University of Rhode Island centers on how communities interact with renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind. He began his research in Turner Station in 2024. The upcoming one-hour event will share results from interviews, surveys, and workshops conducted last year in Turner Station, Maryland; New Bedford, Massachusetts; and New London, Connecticut. These locations have all played significant roles as hubs for offshore wind projects. The study was supported by Boston University and the University of Delaware and focused on capturing local experiences while recommending methods to track the industry’s impact on communities.
“Many promises and warnings have been made about how this development will affect communities,” Bidwell said. “Our study sought to document the hopes and worries of community members, with the goal of raising awareness and accountability of this new industry.”
The event will include an overview of offshore wind development in the Northeast United States, specifics about Turner Station’s involvement with the industry, a summary of key findings from the study, as well as time for questions from attendees. Gloria Nelson from Turner Station Conservation Teams said: “It’s important that we communicate the whole community’s perspective on these activities. This presentation gives us a chance to provide feedback on whether this study gets it right.”
For more information or registration details, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Turner Station Conservation Teams page or contact David Bidwell.
