Graduation Date
Summer 2026
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Environmental Systems, option Energy, Technology, and Policy
Committee Chair Name
Arne Jacobson
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Laurie Richmond
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Julia A. Bingham
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Keywords
Samoa Peninsula, Floating offshore wind energy, Marine terminals, Energy justice
Subject Categories
Environmental Systems
Abstract
Floating offshore wind (OSW) is a relatively novel technology in the United States, which is positioned to play an integral role in California’s decarbonization strategy. Two federal OSW lease areas have been established off the coast of Northern California, and plans are underway to develop supporting port infrastructure, including the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal (HLMT). The proposed HLMT site is adjacent to communities on the Samoa Peninsula of Humboldt Bay, which currently face socio-environmental vulnerabilities and critical infrastructure gaps. The social implications of OSW port development remain poorly understood, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This research examines community perceptions of offshore wind development, including port development, through an energy justice lens. Using a mixed-methods approach, I conducted an analysis that draws from a household survey of Samoa Peninsula residents (n=54) and semi-structured interviews with community leaders involved in offshore wind engagement (n=12). Survey data were analyzed using statistical methods, while interview data were analyzed through thematic coding. Findings indicate that community perceptions of offshore wind development are shaped less by attitudes toward renewable energy technology itself than by concerns regarding community identity, unmet needs, accountability, and power. Participants generally supported renewable energy and expressed concern about climate change, but simultaneously questioned whether the burdens and benefits of development would be distributed fairly and whether local communities would have meaningful influence over outcomes. Strong attachments to place, histories of industrial development and neglect, and limited community capacity to engage in planning processes influenced perceptions of both the project and potential community benefits. These findings suggest that moving towards more equitable development in rural communities depends on meaningful participation, capacity-building, accountability, and recognition of local values and priorities.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Hart, Lauren McCall, ""What power do we have?" Community capacity and justice in Samoa, California’s floating offshore wind terminal development" (2026). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2601.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2601