A recent survey conducted by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) has revealed significant bipartisan support for environmental policies in six key swing states and nationally. The survey, part of the “Swing Six Issue Surveys” series, explores public sentiment on major policy issues in the lead-up to the November election.
Unlike traditional polls, the PPC survey utilizes an online “policymaking simulation” where participants are presented with briefings and arguments for and against specific policies. This approach ensures accuracy and balance by having experts from different sides of the issue review the content.
The survey found that bipartisan majorities favor maintaining or increasing policies that aim to reduce carbon emissions and limit offshore drilling. While there is strong support for existing measures, there is limited enthusiasm for expanding these efforts.
Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations
Across all swing states and nationally, significant support exists for maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and public charging stations. This includes support for the tax credits established in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Notably, even among Republicans, support for maintaining or increasing these tax credits ranged from 57% to 73% in the swing states. This strong bipartisan support demonstrates a willingness to promote the adoption of EVs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Offshore Drilling
The survey also revealed that large bipartisan majorities oppose increasing offshore drilling for oil and gas. Respondents overwhelmingly favored maintaining or decreasing the current levels of offshore drilling, with support ranging from 69% to 76% in the swing states. This opposition to expanded offshore drilling highlights a growing awareness of the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel extraction and a desire to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency
Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements garnered significant bipartisan support in the survey. Across all swing states, 76% to 91% of respondents favored maintaining or increasing these tax credits, with similar support seen nationally. This indicates a widespread recognition of the economic and environmental benefits associated with clean energy technologies and energy-efficient practices.
Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars
The survey found that respondents in all swing states supported the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to achieve 20-30% better fuel efficiency by 2027. This support, ranging from 66% to 71% in the swing states, underscores the public’s understanding of the importance of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
These survey findings provide valuable insights into the public’s views on environmental policies. The strong bipartisan support for maintaining and increasing existing measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy suggests a growing consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change. This consensus could translate into significant political momentum for enacting further policies to address this critical issue.
