Responding to common disinformation about offshore wind power

Offshore wind is an abundant, affordable, and clean source of power that will drive economic growth while cutting harmful pollution. However, a “new, more aggressive stage of opposition to offshore wind energy has arisen in the United States, according to Energy Research and Social Science. ”False claims about offshore wind – such as threats to wildlife and tourism – are being intentionally leveraged to mislead communities and disrupt constructive conversations. A number of these false claims have been repeated over and over, regardless of project, location or actual facts. President Trump has likewise claimed to be protecting wildlife by halting federal permitting for wind projects, effectively banning offshore wind in the U.S.

Environmental Defense Fund (a CAAD member) has therefore created this “Responding to Common Disinformation About Offshore Wind Power” brochure to not merely debunk but prebunk these claims, to help green groups, policymakers, journalists, and any interested private citizen learn what persuasive techniques and false narratives to watch out for, how to recognize them, and how to respond to them.

While this brochure was written specifically for a U.S. audience, it can be useful globally too, due to the homogeneity of claims worldwide. Consider bringing it with you to a city council meeting or townhall discussing a proposed offshore wind project, or using it to respond to a colleague or a family member who has fallen prey to disinformation.  It can help support offshore wind by showing you what attacks to expect, and providing you with a fact-based defense to use in response.