Issue: Energy Policy

In the face of rising gasoline prices, use themes such as “American,” “independence”, and “freedom” when messaging about clean energy . This resource studied the different possible messages to use to boost support for clean energy, concern about climate change, and views on moving away from fossil fuels. The message that increased support for clean energy most highlighted the American-ness and independence of clean energy: “It’s time to move quickly towards clean energy. Clean energy is American energy. It’s 100% made in America, and it stays in America.” This message boosted support by 10.2% (compared to a control group that received no message about energy or climate), which performed better than the other six messages. A message that prioritized climate risks still significantly decreased support for fossil fuels. In addition to “American energy” and “clean energy for climate” messages, others tested were “clean energy is cheaper,” “clean energy is sensible,” “blame oil companies,” “dependency is dangerous,” and “freedom energy.”