Name: Support for offshore wind development nosedives, poll says
Uploaded: 2023-08-29T00:00:00+00:00
Duration: 4 min 11 s
Description: A Monmouth University Poll, released Tuesday, says while most New Jerseyans still support offshore wind development, the level of support has declined significantly over the last four years. Just over half of New Jersey residents (54%) said they support the construction of wind farms off the coast. That’s a steep decline from 84% support about a decade ago and 76% four years ago.

A Monmouth University Poll, released Tuesday, says while most New Jerseyans still support offshore wind development, the level of support has declined significantly over the last four years.

Just over half of New Jersey residents (54%) said they support the construction of wind farms off the coast. That’s a steep decline from 84% support about a decade ago and 76% four years ago.

Monmouth University poll on offshore wind farms in NJ.

Bob Stern, founder and president of Save LBI, which opposes offshore wind projects, said, “I believe what you’re seeing is a more educated public.” Save LBI is suing the federal government over offshore wind leases, arguing that surveys being conducted for offshore wind developments have led to whale deaths.

Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, has a different take on the poll results. “There’s been a clear impact, over the course of this year, from the misinformation campaign,” he said.

According to the poll, whales aren’t the only concern for residents. About 40% said they believe wind farms will hurt tourism in New Jersey.

Monmouth University poll on offshore wind farms in New Jersey.

“This is something that we now need to think about. People say that this is going to hurt New Jersey tourism, but half of those same people are OK with drilling for oil off the coast. So the wind farm is going to hurt Jersey Shore tourism, but oil drilling off the coast won’t. So that kind of gives you a sense that there’s a there’s a disconnect here,” said Patrick Murray, the director of Monmouth University Polling Institute.