| May 1, 2009 |  |
Polls Show Opposition Message on Climate and Energy Legislation is Failing
A majority of those surveyed support climate and energy legislation—even if it would increase energy costs.
Economic scare tactics from opponents of climate and energy legislation are failing to undermine public support for addressing global warming, according to two recent national polls. Surveys by ABC News/Washington Post and NBC News/Wall Street Journal found that a majority supports climate and energy legislation—even if it would increase energy costs.
The good news is that, according to a new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists, strong, comprehensive climate and energy legislation likely would reduce energy bills. UCS's analysis, based on a Department of Energy modeling system, found that combining a cap-and-trade program with energy and transportation policies (the approach used by the Waxman-Markey bill) would result in dramatic emissions reductions and net savings for the typical U.S. household of $300 per year in 2020 and $900 per year in 2030.
THE NBC/WALL STREET JOURNAL POLL
A survey sponsored by NBC News/Wall Street Journal (pdf) interviewed 1,005 adults between April 23 and 26. The margin of error for the two relevant questions is 4.4 percent.
Pollsters asked half the respondents: "Let me read you a series of proposals that President Obama has suggested since he was inaugurated. For each one, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of this proposal." One of the proposals: "Charging a fee to companies that emit greenhouse gases, which might results in higher utility bills, and using the money to provide tax cuts for middle-income Americans."
More than half—58 percent—approved, 35 percent disapproved, and 7 percent were not sure.
The pollsters asked the other half of the respondents the question in a different way. In this case, they did not mention President Obama, but they reminded respondents that greenhouse gases cause global warming. They did mention that new climate and energy policies might increase utility bills.
The second question: "Would you approve or disapprove of a proposal that would require companies to reduce greenhouse gases that cause global warming, even if it would mean higher utility bills for consumers to pay the charges?"
Slightly more than half—53 percent—said they approved, 40 percent disapproved, and 7 percent were not sure.
THE ABC NEWS/WASHINGTON POST POLL
The ABC News/Washington Post poll interviewed 1,072 adults between April 21 and 24. The results for the two relevant questions have a 3 point margin of error.
The poll found that even though Americans are concerned that federal legislation could "raise the price of things," they still want the government to pass policies that address global warming. Overall, 75 percent of the poll respondents said they want the federal government to initiate policies addressing climate change, while 77 percent said they are concerned that climate legislation would increase prices.
The first question asked: "On another subject, do you think the federal government should or should
not regulate the release of greenhouse gases from sources like power plants, cars and factories in an effort to reduce global warming? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?"
A slim majority—54 percent—said "Should strongly." Another 21 percent said "Should somewhat." Twelve percent said "Should not strongly," and 9 percent said "Should not somewhat." Four percent had no opinion.
The second question asked: "How concerned are you that federal regulation of greenhouse gases could substantially raise the price of things you have to pay for—very concerned, somewhat concerned, not so concerned or not concerned at all?"
A little more that a third—36 percent—said "Very concerned." A higher percentage—41 percent, said "Somewhat concerned." Fourteen percent said "Not so concerned," and 8 percent said "Not at all concerned." Only 1 percent had no opinion."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
