Rural Voices on Renewables: Building Support for Wind and Solar Projects Across America
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About this
Study
The 2024 NRDC Ready for Renewables Survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group, involved 800 registered voters from rural-heavy counties, with additional samples from Georgia and Ohio, totaling 948 voters. The survey took place between April 2nd and April 8th, 2024, and included an earlier online discussion board with center-right voters. The survey revealed that voters generally support wind and solar farms but have malleable attitudes, with rural voters showing less support than suburban ones. Despite recognizing environmental benefits, voters are skeptical about personal and economic advantages, particularly swing voters. Messaging that highlights benefits to farmers and families, and counters misinformation from Big Oil and Coal CEOs, effectively increases support. However, addressing concerns about community character and aesthetics remains challenging. Key strategies include leveraging credible messengers like local farmers and focusing on cost savings, diversification, and individual benefits to strengthen support for renewable energy projects.