Washington, DC — By wide margins, offshore wind is popular among U.S. coastal residents, with seven in 10 voters in support of expanding offshore wind energy and majorities seeing it as beneficial in addressing climate change and improving the economy, a new poll from Nexus Polling and Turn Forward finds.

When respondents were asked if they support expanding offshore wind power in places near where they live, support remained strong, with two-thirds (66%) in favor.

Majorities of respondents say expanding offshore wind would be good for:

  • Energy independence – 71%
  • Jobs – 64%
  • The economy – 61%
  • Their power bills – 60%
  • Climate change – 59%

The poll also found that majorities want their utilities to develop renewable energy and believe offshore wind is reliable.

  • Respondents prefer building new offshore wind farms over offshore drilling for oil and gas, 59% to 20%, respectively.
  • Nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents support requiring electric utility companies to generate 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by the year 2035.
  • Nearly six in 10 voters (58%) consider offshore wind to be a reliable source of energy.

Majorities had little to no concern about impacts on tourism, ocean views, or quality of life. Opinions were split about concern over impacts on recreational and commercial fishing. Further, more than three-quarters (78%) of respondents said visible offshore wind turbines 10 to 15 miles offshore would not change their desire to visit the beach or would make them more likely to visit. Most offshore wind projects will be 15 miles or further from shore.

On policy choices, nearly two-thirds of voters (64%) support the U.S. government selling more leases to expand offshore wind development. Further, more than seven in 10 voters (72%) support President Biden’s announcement of a partnership between the federal government and states to build enough offshore wind farms to power 10 million homes.

The survey of 2137 adults (18+) in coastal counties in the United States was conducted September 2-8, 2022 and has a margin of error of +/- 2.6%.

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 avery@turnforward.org