Issue: Economic Impacts

Texas voters share deep concerns about extreme weather and support an expanded approach to the state’s energy future and infrastructure challenges. 53% of Texans are “extremely concerned” or “very concerned” about the extreme weather trends Texas will experience, including more 100-degree days, more extreme rainfall, more urban flooding, greater hurricane intensity, and increased drought severity by 2036. 65% are “extremely concerned” or “very concerned” that, given current trends, Texas will not be able to meet a significant amount of its future water needs. 49% are “not that confident” or “not at all confident” in Texas’ energy grid. 74% of Texas voters expressed concern about the state of Texas not applying for federal infrastructure funds. This poll also asks Texas voters about issues such as public schools, workforce, crime, and more.

Business students believe corporate leaders should be solving environmental and social issues, but they perceive the most serious issues to be elsewhere. 41% perceive themselves as “very” or “extremely” knowledgeable about environmental sustainability, an increase from 21% measured in a 2015 survey. 51% reported they would accept a lower salary to work for an environmentally responsible company, up from 44% in 2015. 94% of business students agree that global warming is happening, and 52% consider themselves “very” or “extremely” concerned about its impacts. 61% believe that both government and companies have a responsibility to address “environmental and social crises.” Majorities of students want more business school teaching and career services focused on environmental issues. However, just less than one third perceive the condition of the environment in their own country or city to be poor.

Energy insecurity is prevalent among low-income households in the U.S. More than 28% of low-income households surveyed recently reported being unable to pay their energy bill, and nearly 20% received a disconnection notice. Black and Hispanic households experience higher levels of energy insecurity: from November 2021 through January 2022, almost 40% of Hispanic respondents and more than 26% of Black respondents were not able to pay an energy bill. Energy insecurity is especially widespread among households with children. Households often forgo other basic household needs to pay their energy bills. To cope with the expense of energy, households often adjust the temperature in their homes to uncomfortable levels and accumulate utility debt.