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High school students present community survey on proposed Humboldt offshore wind project
Summary
Students from Redwood Coast Montessori (RCM) presented survey results showing mixed public awareness and substantial support among respondents for a proposed Humboldt offshore wind project, and asked county supervisors about the board's role and potential impacts on local fisheries and habitats.
Students from Redwood Coast Montessori High School presented the results of a community survey on a proposed Humboldt offshore wind project during the Board of Supervisors meeting May 13.
RCM students told the board they reached 84 respondents using posters in Arcata, Eureka and McKinleyville, social media and school networks. In their survey 47.6% of respondents selected “strongly in favor” when asked about the wind project; the students said many respondents were neutral or reported limited knowledge about the project.
The students summarized open-ended responses they had collected. Supporters wrote that offshore wind could boost local energy independence and reduce fossil‑fuel use; opponents raised concerns about visual impacts and possible negative effects on fisheries and eelgrass habitat. The students also reported that respondents suggested solar, hydro and other technologies as alternatives.
In a question-and-answer session organized by the class, the students said they spoke with Rachel Smith, program manager with the Humboldt Area Foundation and CORE, who told them the wind proposal involves multiple investments and could involve federal funding including a large federal grant. The students reported that construction could occur across many years and that dredging associated with port work could affect oyster and seaweed industries and eelgrass habitat.
Supervisor Wilson thanked the students for the project-based learning presentation and invited the class to contact board members with follow-up questions. Supervisors and staff described the board's limited direct authority over multi-jurisdictional, federally involved energy infrastructure but said the board oversees local land-use approvals and can provide community input and oversight of processes that fall within county purview.
The supervisors did not take formal action on the wind project at the meeting; students were encouraged to continue community outreach and to seek clarifying information on jurisdiction, timelines and funding.
