Posters

Abstract

Offshore wind power presents a promising opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. However, the U.S. offshore wind industry has recently encountered significant setbacks, driven in large part by social opposition and political resistance. Understanding community perceptions of offshore wind energy is essential for shaping policies and engagement strategies that support a just and equitable energy transition. The goal of this study is to quantitatively examine how communities in the Mid-Atlantic United States perceive the justice dimensions of offshore wind development. We conducted attitudinal surveys across ocean-adjacent communities in Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland, including key areas with strong fishing and fish processing sectors, communities located near planned offshore wind infrastructure, and communities historically linked to coal-based energy production. Our findings show that while participants generally supported offshore wind energy and saw renewable energy development as an important local benefit, many viewed the development process as un-inclusive, marked by insufficient communication and information sharing and a lack of transparency and trust in decision-makers. Participants also expressed uncertainty about offshore wind benefits and burdens and voiced concerns that local groups (e.g. fishers, electricity consumers, wildlife) will not benefit enough, while offshore wind companies will benefit too much. We explore how these perceptions of justice shape public support for offshore wind energy and discuss their implications for improving community outreach. This research offers valuable insights for how offshore wind decision makers can strengthen public engagement and meet the needs of communities in the U.S., with broader applications for promoting just renewable energy transitions across the globe.