Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 24, Issue 01 | April 30, 2024

Policy Memo:  ​Wind of Change: Overcoming Misinformation in New Jersey's Clean Energy Transition

Gianna White (1), Heidi Yeh (2)
  1. Carnegie Mellon University, Engineering & Public Policy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
  2. Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Southampton, NJ, USA
​
Corresponding author: [email protected]​​
Keywords: renewable energy; offshore wind; science communication; misinformation; disinformation; climate education; New Jersey 
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG240117

Executive Summary

As the climate crisis advances, the need to transition from the fossil fuel economy to renewable sources of energy is becoming increasingly urgent. Thanks to climate leadership from the Murphy administration, New Jersey is poised to grow its renewable energy projects in an aggressive attempt to reach 100% clean energy by 2035. However, the state is currently facing pushback from local anti-offshore wind groups, such as Protect Our Coast, which actively disseminate false information about offshore wind (OSW) development and attempt to thwart NJ climate action. To address the growing threat of misinformation, New Jersey should build upon its existing climate education campaign and expand it to entire local communities. Allocating resources towards a dedicated public media campaign can effectively educate citizens and help dispel misinformation surrounding renewable energy initiatives, fostering greater support and understanding among New Jersey residents.

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Background header image courtesy of Clean Choice
Gianna White is a GEM Fellow at the National Renewable Energy Lab. She received her M.S in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and her B.S in Sustainable Urban Environments from New York University. Her research interests exist at the intersection of the psychology of sustainability, sustainable urban infrastructure, and equitable policy. Gianna’s goal is to help build more sustainable cities and make sure no one is left behind in the process.

Heidi Yeh is the Policy Director of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Heidi holds a B.A. in Environmental Science from Barnard College of Columbia University, as well as an M.S. and Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut and Rutgers University, respectively. She seeks to use her career to bridge the divide between science and society to foster informed decisions at all levels of government.

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