Location: Virginia

Virginia voters largely support Democratic policy proposals; they’re also ideologically moderate overall (based on self-described ideology). Based on a 2021 phone survey, Virginia voters on the whole view Republican elected officials as more conservative than they view Democratic elected officials as liberal. On environmental policy, a strong majority of Virginia voters overall support renewable energy investments (82%). 65% support/strongly support a “Green New Deal” to address climate change by investing government funds in green jobs and infrastructure, and 53% support/strongly support a carbon tax or cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions. Republicans strongly support expanding offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters (83%), which is opposed by both Democratic voters (72%) and independents (63%). The survey also asked about healthcare, immigration, and economic policy.             

Americans are worried about “triple threat” of hurricanes, COVID, & climate change. 52% of Black Americans and 49% of Latinos/Latinas say they are more worried about hurricane season this year amidst the pandemic. Half of adults in southeastern coastal states say they are more worried about hurricane season this year and 66% say addressing climate change should be a priority.