GALLOWAY, NJ — A recent Stockton University Poll reveals that support for constructing offshore wind turbines has significantly declined over the past four years, particularly among residents of New Jersey’s coastal areas. The poll showed 50% of state residents favor such projects, a sharp fall from 80% support in a similar 2019 poll.
The study, released by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, indicated that the drop was most notable among residents living in areas bordering the ocean or a bay. Support among this demographic plummeted from 77% in 2019 to 33% in the current poll, with a margin of error of +/- 4.0 percentage points.
Two main reasons cited for opposition to offshore turbines were potential harm to marine life and obstruction of ocean views. Despite these concerns, the U.S. Interior Department approved the Ocean Wind 1 project in July, which will construct and operate 98 wind turbines and up to three offshore substations off the New Jersey coast.
John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Center, attributed the decline in support to the transition from abstract policy discussions to imminent construction. “When the concept of wind farms moved from abstract policy considerations to preparing for actual construction, many residents said, ‘Not in my backyard, or at least not off my beach,'” Froonjian said. Coastal areas have seen protests and legislative election campaigns focused on wind farms.
Yet, the poll highlighted ongoing concern about climate change among New Jersey residents. Seventy-two percent expressed concern, with 51% stating that the state must address the issue. Additionally, 52% believed renewable energy sources like wind would benefit the climate.
However, when asked about tax incentives for companies building wind turbines, 48% opposed the idea, with 39% in support and 12% unsure.
The poll also explored how residents think wind farms would impact various aspects of life. Seventy-one percent felt turbines would affect ocean views, 68% said they would affect marine life, and 55% thought shore tourism would have some impact.
Alyssa Maurice, Hughes Center research associate, noted that negative sentiment towards wind energy was more prominent in shore communities compared to other parts of New Jersey.
The survey showed a partisan divide, with Democrats largely supporting wind energy while Republicans were mostly opposed. Respondents were evenly split on whether approval for such projects should lie with the state government or the municipalities where offshore construction would occur.
