Watered down justice: Experiences of the offshore wind transition in Northeast coastal communities in the United States

Abstract

Offshore wind is a growing part of coastal states' energy portfolios and is undergoing rapid expansion in the United States. A robust body of research examines this transition through the lens of energy justice, which we employed in an exploratory qualitative analysis of offshore wind in northeast United States coastal communities where the first projects are located. Our goal was to investigate community members' experiences of distributive, recognition, and procedural justice regarding offshore wind development. We selected five frontline coastal communities and conducted 37 interviews, seeking representation from local/state governments; port/working waterfront businesses; the fishing community, and community groups, with a focus on low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed six themes and associated sub-themes synthesizing participants' experiences. Analysis revealed that community members observed and experienced linkages between distributive, recognition and procedural forms of justice. Findings both illustrate these linkages and provide insights into the individual tenets. Participants experienced the government-led planning and permitting process itself as the problem. They believed that the primacy of local communities was inadequately recognized, and held complex and nuanced views of benefits and burdens. Further, participants observed that low-income and BIPOC community members are experiencing injustices. Results support multiple recommendations for research and practice, including an integrated approach to energy justice scholarship and practice that acknowledges the linkages between the three justice tenets. We also recommend process improvements and a commitment to engaging with and supporting low-income and BIPOC communities.