New Bedford Residents to Learn About Offshore Wind Impacts

Public presentation at local library will share research on community experiences with offshore wind development.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:03am

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric shapes and intersecting waveforms in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of offshore wind energy.A community-focused presentation aims to raise awareness and accountability around the local impacts of the growing offshore wind industry.New Bedford Today

New Bedford residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the impact of offshore wind development during a free public presentation on May 6 at the New Bedford Free Public Library. The event, hosted by the Old Bedford Village Community Development Corp., will feature a presentation by University of Rhode Island professor David Bidwell, who has been conducting research on how offshore wind projects affect local communities in southern New England.

Why it matters

As offshore wind projects continue to expand in the Northeast, it's important for local residents to understand the potential impacts - both positive and negative - that these developments can have on their communities. This presentation aims to provide transparency and raise awareness about the industry's community impact.

The details

Bidwell's research, conducted with support from Boston University and the University of Delaware, has involved interviews, surveys, and community workshops in New Bedford, as well as in New London, Connecticut, and Turner Station, Maryland - all of which have served as hubs for offshore wind development. The presentation will cover the findings of this research, including the hopes and concerns expressed by community members.

  • The public presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 6, 2026.
  • Bidwell has been conducting research in New Bedford since 2024.

The players

David Bidwell

A professor of marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island who has been researching how people interact with renewable energy technologies, particularly offshore wind, in southern New England.

Buddy Andrade

The director of the Old Bedford Village Community Development Corp., the organization hosting the upcoming presentation.

Old Bedford Village Community Development Corp.

A local community organization hosting the public presentation on the impacts of offshore wind development in New Bedford.

New Bedford Free Public Library

The venue for the upcoming public presentation on offshore wind impacts.

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What they’re saying

“Many promises and warnings have been made about how this development will affect communities. Our study sought to document the hopes and worries of community members, with the goal of raising awareness and accountability of this new industry.”

— David Bidwell, Professor of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island

“This presentation is a chance for us to give feedback on the study results. It's important that everyone in the community is heard.”

— Buddy Andrade, Director, Old Bedford Village Community Development Corp.

What’s next

After the presentation, the organizers plan to collect feedback from attendees to help guide future discussions and research on the community impacts of offshore wind development.

The takeaway

As offshore wind projects continue to expand in the Northeast, it's crucial for local communities to have a voice in understanding and shaping the industry's impact. This presentation in New Bedford aims to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that residents' concerns and priorities are heard.