Resource Type: Research & Articles

This post includes climate and environment headlines, data points, and key takeaways from recent public polls – including new national polling on pollution in the manufacturing sector, investments in clean energy jobs and development, plastic pollution, and climate as a legislative priority + a major new report on environmental attitudes in western states. 

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.

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.