Resource Type: Polling & Surveys

This post includes climate and environment headlines, data points, and key takeaways from recent public polls – including a new international sustainability poll from POLITICO and Morning Consult, findings about the public’s reactions to different terms for methane gas, and state-level polls in Indiana, Maryland, and Wisconsin.­

Advocates should keep connecting gas to methane (and avoid calling gas “natural”), focus on electrification (not on banning gas), and highlight that renewable energy will create more jobs. Adults are largely unaware that gas is primarily composed of methane: 53% say natural gas is clean energy. 76% view natural gas favorably, but only 30% view methane gas favorably. Methane regulation is popular: 72% adults, including majorities of Democrats and Republicans, support requiring oil and gas companies to install technology to reduce methane leaks, and 65% also support the EPA establishing stronger regulations. Electrification is also popular: 63% of adults support requiring new homes and buildings to be wired for electric appliances and electric vehicle charging, even if they’re also fitted for gas. 50% of Americans support their “local government requiring newly constructed homes and buildings to be 100% electric,” an increase of seven points over the last two years, while roughly 36% support their “local government banning the use of natural gas in newly constructed homes and buildings.” This survey asked more questions that are reported in this memo.

Texas voters favor increasing renewable energy production. 73% believe Texas should increase solar energy production, and 68% believe the same for wind energy, compared to just 42% for natural gas, 28% for nuclear, and 18% for coal. 62% of Texans agree (“somewhat” or “strongly”) that Texas should aim to achieve 100% clean power. 61% agree it should be a land owner’s right to install wind turbines or solar panels on their property. 75% agree (“somewhat” or “strongly”) that wind and solar are reliable forms of energy. This poll includes many more related questions on energy policy.