… This report examines public opinion in Michigan and Pennsylvania on a series of issues concerning the impact of fracking on the economy, environmental protection, and information disclosure. Pennsylvania and Michigan have been selected as the focus of this report because they represent states with varied levels of hydraulic fracturing [...] Read more »
Political ideology affects energy-efficiency attitudes and choices
This research demonstrates how promoting the environment can negatively affect adoption of energy efficiency in the United States because of the political polarization surrounding environmental issues. Study 1 demonstrated that more politically conservative individuals were less in favor of investment in energy-efficient technology than were those who were more politically [...] Read more »
Fracking opinions at tipping point
… A March poll, taken by the Pew Research Center, shows a plurality of American adults nationwide favoring fracking. … From the energy industry’s perspective, as well as my own, this plurality support should be encouraging. But unless public opinion is managed with diligence, this support could wither. [cont.] David Hill [...] Read more »
How Americans see global warming — in 8 charts
Earth Day organizers have dedicated the celebration’s 43rd anniversary to highlighting the impact of climate change. Even though President Obama made mention of the issue in his second inaugural address and his 2013 State of the Union speech, climate change has a long way to go to be a top-of-the-mind [...] Read more »
Most Oppose State Gas Tax Hike to Fund Repairs
Two-thirds of Americans would vote against a state law that would increase the gas tax by up to 20 cents a gallon, with the revenue going toward improving roads and bridges and building more mass transit. Three in 10 Americans would vote for an increase in the gas tax in [...] Read more »
US and Canadian Views on Energy Policy
A new study examining energy policy suggests that energy security trumps the concern about greenhouse gas emission among both Americans and Canadians. The study, completed by Nik Nanos, a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C., included polling data among Americans and Canadians. [...] Read more »
Americans Still Divided on Energy-Environment Trade-Off
Americans divide evenly when asked whether the U.S. should prioritize energy production (46%) or environmental protection (45%) when the goals conflict. From 2001 to 2008, Americans consistently came down on the side of the environment. Since 2009, they have been divided or shown a slight preference for energy production — [...] Read more »
Survey Of Republicans And Republican-Leaning Independents On Energy And Climate Change
This short report is based on a January 2013 national survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents. We found that they prefer clean energy as the basis of America’s energy future and say the benefits of clean energy, such as energy independence (66%) saving resources for our children and grandchildren (57%), [...] Read more »
Keystone XL Pipeline Draws Broad Support
As the Obama administration approaches a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, a national survey finds broad public support for the project. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor building the pipeline, which would ransport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas. Just 23% oppose construction [...] Read more »
Americans Want More Emphasis on Solar, Wind, Natural Gas
No fewer than two in three Americans want the U.S. to put more emphasis on producing domestic energy using solar power (76%), wind (71%), and natural gas (65%). Far fewer want to emphasize the production of oil (46%) and the use of nuclear power (37%). Least favored is coal, with [...] Read more »