Stockton University released a new poll Oct. 22, exploring how New Jersey voters feel about a hot-button issue here in the state: offshore wind.

According to the findings, just over half of respondents – 52% – somewhat (24%) or strongly (29%) support the installation of offshore wind turbines off the Jersey coast. Meanwhile, 9% somewhat oppose and 24% strongly oppose.

That trend marks a stabilization of sorts from September 2023 findings, when 50% supported and 33% opposed. It marked a major shift, too, from a 2019 poll that found 80% support and 15% opposition.

As NJBIZ has reported, the Murphy administration has prioritized the nascent industry, with heavy support from clean energy groups and others. Offshore wind has also served as a chief source of criticism from a slew of Republican lawmakers, activist groups and local stakeholders. That reality has played out over the last several years – as some proposed projects have progressed (Atlantic Shores) and others failed (like Ørsted) in the face of industry and economic headwinds, as well as local opposition and litigation.

Other key findings from the poll include:

• Those who oppose cited environmental concerns for marine life or the ocean ecosystem (51%), followed by costs (8%)
• Voters do not view offshore wind projects as a high priority:
  • • Only 24% believe they should be a priority
    • 37% said they should be a minor priority
    • 29% said they should not be a priority at all
• Those who live at the coast are more energized and less supportive of the offshore wind turbines (43%), versus 55% of support for those in non-coastal counties
• A majority of all New Jersey voters (54%) said expanding the production of renewable energy should take priority over expanding the production of fossil fuels; 37% believe fossil fuels should take priority when it comes to energy supply
• The issue is also split between Democrats and Republicans and how it impacts voters when it comes to local elections:
  • • 17% said a candidate’s views on offshore wind would influence their vote a great deal
    • 41% said somewhat influence
    • 37% said no impact on their vote, including 40% who back offshore wind turbines

“No matter which side of the issue voters land on, they seem to agree that it’s not a top priority,” said Hughes Center Research Director Alyssa Maurice. “The opposition to offshore wind is particularly vocal and well-organized in New Jersey, but the poll shows that for most voters this issue doesn’t move the needle much.”

Stockton Polling Institute of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy conducted the poll of 616 registered voters from Oct. 10 to 14.

The full poll results are available here.

Experts weigh in:

The recent NJBIZ Energy Panel Discussion featured experts from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Genova Burns. Click here to read their takes on where things stand in New Jersey in terms of energy challenges and priorities — particularly on costs and reliability.