Americans Want Clean Energy–But Why?

Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on January 21, 2010
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New poll numbers released by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) show that Americans from both political parties believe the same things when it comes to the environment–air quality is getting worse, climate change is happening (and is happening because of humans), and that the United States needs a new energy policy.  They even agree on why the U.S. needs that new energy policy, but, according to the poll, that reason has nothing to do with climate change.

Pollster Frank Luntz, whose firm tests messaging for corporations and political candidates, polled 1007 registered voters from both political parties in an effort to determine how legislators should frame the upcoming climate change legislation debate in Congress.  

The Luntz poll found that while Americans do think climate change is happening, they are more are interested in the economic and social benefits that a new energy policy will create–new American jobs, energy independence and national security, and innovation that will help the U.S. compete with other countries.  Decreasing pollution came in close behind these other benefits. 

The poll found that more people believed the air quality in the U.S. and worldwide has declined than believed it has improved or stayed the same.  And while most couldn’t deny that climate changes were due to anthropogenic sources, more Republicans than Democrats were skeptical.

“This is a crucial moment in the effort to pass national climate legislation that limits carbon emissions,” said EDF President Fred Krupp, in a statement. 

“[Luntz's] research proves that that no matter who Americans voted for in

2008, in 2010 they want to see Congress act on climate legislation.

It’s a national security priority, it’s a crucial means to reduce

pollution, and it’s essential to creating permanent American jobs.”

–James Robertson

james_robertson.jpg

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Comments

  1. floorganics
    July 20, 2010, 4:43 pm

    I feel like a green movement is good because it helps create jobs and provides benefit to the environment. What better duo?
    Floorganics
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  2. Fred
    July 19, 2010, 7:28 pm

    I do like the way you present things.
    And I do agree to what you say.
    Cheers – Fred, Sunny shore

  4. benjovi
    July 19, 2010, 12:15 am

    It’s not really the stupidity of the American people, but it’s the stupidity of the public. People as a whole are pretty stupid especially when, as you cite, huge multinational corporations are fueling the stupidity with enough cash to bring some countries out of abject poverty
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  7. leo12
    July 16, 2010, 11:46 am

    It’d be nice to know what kind of price sensitivity we’re talking about. “An increase in energy prices” could mean anything. Surely, almost everyone would strongly agree with more renewables if it meant a 5% price increase, while I expect very few would strongly agree if it meant a doubling of energy prices. I’m glad they at least acknowledge that there will be costs involved, though. Sidi Boots

  8. summercrash
    July 16, 2010, 4:33 am

    Maybe that should be more stressed as pollution is the number one thing we should be worried about, sure not having jobs suck, but not being in existence would suck a lot more in my opinion. Games for girls | how to get pregnant

  9. battery4laptop
    July 12, 2010, 2:36 am

    I am not sure how the school system does things these days but I remember we never really covered the environment part of science too thoroughly.
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  10. hurtgo
    July 7, 2010, 5:41 am

    The idea of go-green should be taken seriously and additional campaigns, should be entertained in order to make people aware of the importance of this project. Spotify Invite

  11. John
    July 1, 2010, 2:40 am

    Decreasing pollution came in close behind these other benefits. And while most couldn’t deny that climate changes were due to anthropogenic sources, more Republicans than Democrats were skeptical.
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  12. benjovi
    June 30, 2010, 10:52 pm

    So, President Obama need to urged a bipartisan group of Senators to assemble a clean energy and climate bill that puts a limit on carbon pollution for Senate floor action.
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  13. Linda
    May 27, 2010, 6:36 am

    I agree with you. Instead of blaming others, we should in turn follow up simple techniques. The idea of go-green should be taken seriously and additional campaigns should be entertained in order to make people aware of the significance of this idea
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  14. JerryChan
    January 31, 2010, 11:54 am

    I am not sure how the school system does things these days but I remember we never really covered the environment part of science too thoroughly. Maybe that should be more stressed as pollution is the number one thing we should be worried about, sure not having jobs suck, but not being in existence would suck a lot more in my opinion.
    Jerry Chan

  15. The Window Man
    January 25, 2010, 8:59 am

    We need to aggressively teach our children in the school system why “going green” is important. This can’t just be a few lessons and discussions. We need classes, like math and science, showing and training children how to go green and why. Why this is a necessity to prolong the well-being of our beautiful planet.
    “I am here to serve.”
    The Window Man