Trenton, NJ – Support for building wind turbines off New Jersey’s coast has taken a dive in the last four years, particularly among residents of shore towns, a Stockton University Poll reveals. Currently, half of the state’s residents are on board with plans to erect wind turbines at sea for electricity, a sharp fall from the 80% support measured in a 2019 survey.
Back in 2019, nearly 80% of New Jersey adults were all for offshore wind farms, with a strong backing from 77% of coastal dwellers. Now, only 33% of those living near the coast are fans of the idea, according to the latest findings. This drop in enthusiasm is linked to worries about the possible negative effects on marine life and views of the ocean.
The survey, which took the pulse of nearly 600 New Jersey adults, also highlighted a clear split in opinion along party lines, with Democrats mostly cheering for wind energy and Republicans not so much. Despite the cooling interest in wind turbines, a solid 72% of folks still voice concern over climate change, and the majority believe in the climate benefits of renewable energy like wind. Yet, the survey picks up on a sense of uncertainty about wind energy’s promise for local jobs, energy costs, and reliable power.