Oct 11, 2024 05:49 PM
https://rogerpielkejr.substack.com/p/the...ions-voter
INTRO: The future of the clean energy transition is cloudy. It’s well-known that there are disagreements—wide disagreements—between Republicans and Democrats about our energy future. But less well-known is the bedrock of public opinion on America’s energy supply, the importance of a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, and the general salience of the climate change issue.
Findings from a new YouGov survey indicate that most voters’ views differ quite a bit from those of rapid energy transition advocates. These views constitute an ineluctable reality that any transition, on any timetable, will have to deal with. At the same time there is political opportunity here to better align policy priorities with voter preferences.
This survey is part of a broader study conducted by Roger Pielke, Jr. and Ruy Teixeira of the American Enterprise Institute that seeks to compare scientific understandings of energy and climate with dominant public narratives on these issues and how both compare to the views of actual voters.
The full study and polling data will be released after the election, but here we present ten of the most interesting findings from our new survey that shed light on the current debate around climate and energy issues... (MORE - details)
COVERED:
1. An "all of the above" approach to energy policy has by far the most voter support and shows remarkable stability and common support across voter groups.
2. On extreme weather events, most voters have not accepted the apocalyptic reporting found in the media and pushed by climate activists.
3. American voters are reluctant to pay even a small amount to support climate action and this willingness drops quickly as the proposed small costs increase.
4. Voters expect an energy transition away from fossil fuels to lead to unexpected problems.
5. Overall, the public is much more favorable on both solar and natural gas than on wind, suggesting that the concept of "renewables" masks some important differences.
6. In terms of the energy they consume, cost and reliability are way, way more important to voters than possible effects on the climate.
7. In terms of proposals to mitigate the effects of climate change, getting to “net zero” as quickly as possible is relatively unimportant to voters.
8. Climate change as an issue has very low salience to voters.
9. Voters support increased domestic production of fossil fuels, but they are unaware fossil fuel production has actually increased in the last several years.
10. Voter interest in electric heat pumps, hot water heaters and stoves, as well as electric vehicles, is weak.
INTRO: The future of the clean energy transition is cloudy. It’s well-known that there are disagreements—wide disagreements—between Republicans and Democrats about our energy future. But less well-known is the bedrock of public opinion on America’s energy supply, the importance of a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, and the general salience of the climate change issue.
Findings from a new YouGov survey indicate that most voters’ views differ quite a bit from those of rapid energy transition advocates. These views constitute an ineluctable reality that any transition, on any timetable, will have to deal with. At the same time there is political opportunity here to better align policy priorities with voter preferences.
This survey is part of a broader study conducted by Roger Pielke, Jr. and Ruy Teixeira of the American Enterprise Institute that seeks to compare scientific understandings of energy and climate with dominant public narratives on these issues and how both compare to the views of actual voters.
The full study and polling data will be released after the election, but here we present ten of the most interesting findings from our new survey that shed light on the current debate around climate and energy issues... (MORE - details)
COVERED:
1. An "all of the above" approach to energy policy has by far the most voter support and shows remarkable stability and common support across voter groups.
2. On extreme weather events, most voters have not accepted the apocalyptic reporting found in the media and pushed by climate activists.
3. American voters are reluctant to pay even a small amount to support climate action and this willingness drops quickly as the proposed small costs increase.
4. Voters expect an energy transition away from fossil fuels to lead to unexpected problems.
5. Overall, the public is much more favorable on both solar and natural gas than on wind, suggesting that the concept of "renewables" masks some important differences.
6. In terms of the energy they consume, cost and reliability are way, way more important to voters than possible effects on the climate.
7. In terms of proposals to mitigate the effects of climate change, getting to “net zero” as quickly as possible is relatively unimportant to voters.
8. Climate change as an issue has very low salience to voters.
9. Voters support increased domestic production of fossil fuels, but they are unaware fossil fuel production has actually increased in the last several years.
10. Voter interest in electric heat pumps, hot water heaters and stoves, as well as electric vehicles, is weak.