Washington, D.C. — A new multi-state poll conducted for Turn Forward by Republican polling firm Tarrance Group shows Americans are increasingly backing offshore wind as energy demand spikes from AI and data centers. When asked why they support offshore wind, voters cite job creation, energy independence, and pollution reduction as key benefits. The findings coincide with growing awareness that sharply rising electricity demand makes it more important than ever to foster viable new sources of electricity.

According to the Tarrance Group poll, nearly 70% of Americans support constructing new offshore wind projects in their own states. Support is especially high among voters concerned about inflation and the rising cost of living, speaking to the decades-long price stability offshore wind provides in a rapidly changing economy. Moreover, with support for offshore wind development rising from 46% to 51% among Republican voters since January, the polling data signals a strong bipartisan mandate for policymakers to accelerate offshore wind development.

“These results confirm what we’ve long known: voters across the political spectrum want an energy future that strengthens our economy and safeguards American energy independence,” said Turn Forward Executive Director Hillary Bright. “Offshore wind is a critical part of that vision, and it checks every box. It creates jobs, provides much needed energy at utility scale, and bolsters our nation’s self-reliance in an unpredictable world. Policymakers should take note – voters across the political spectrum want to see more offshore wind development.”

Voters were polled in a politically diverse mix of coastal states, including California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Key findings from the poll include:

  • Voters Want More Renewable Energy: Nearly 80% of respondents favor greater use of renewables in their states’ energy mix as AI, data centers and other power-hungry components of the digital economy may bring electricity shortages unless new generation comes online.
  • Widespread Support for Offshore Wind: 70% of voters support new offshore wind projects in general, and 68.5% support development in their own states, showing that the public views offshore wind as a reliable, local solution to meet growing energy needs.
  • New Offshore Wind Leases Sought: 70.5% of respondents favor more federal auctions to expand offshore wind development in a clear call to mobilize the potential of this utility-scale electricity source as the U.S. faces sharply higher demand for power in the near term.
  • Economic and Environmental Benefits Drive Support: Top reasons for support include price stabilization (35%), pollution reduction (34.9%), and energy independence (31.1%), reflecting a public that sees offshore wind as a stable, long-term energy solution that creates a win-win for the economy and environment.
  • Concerns About Economic Consequences of Project Delays: Over 79% voiced at least some concern that canceling or delaying large-scale offshore wind projects would result in lost jobs and diminished economic development opportunities.

As the U.S. seeks to strengthen its energy resilience and create new sources of jobs, offshore wind presents a ready-made solution that addresses some of the key concerns of American voters.

You can view the full results here.

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Turn Forward is an independent, non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to advancing an ambitious vision for American offshore wind power that meets today’s climate, economic, equity and environmental challenges.

For media inquiries, please reach out to media@turnforward.org.