Amid concerns about energy reliability and affordability, 76% of voters want a steady transition to clean energy by using all options currently available
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2024 - A nationwide poll conducted by Democratic polling firm Impact Research finds bipartisan support for the increased production of natural gas, with 69% of all voters in favor and majorities of Democrats (59%), Independents (63%), and Republicans (85%). The poll also finds that three-quarters of voters overall want the country to steadily transition to clean energy by using all options currently available to keep energy affordable and reliable. This includes 80% of Democrats, which is a 7% increase since 2022.
The survey was commissioned by the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE), a non-partisan coalition of like-minded organizations dedicated to reducing global emissions by promoting U.S. policies that protect the climate, strengthen the economy, lower energy costs, and bolster energy security through the production and export of cleaner natural gas.
“The message is clear: voters support natural gas as an energy source and want to see increased production. This poll demonstrates the salience of energy as an election issue for Americans, and candidates up and down the ballot should be focused on the solutions that the public supports,” said Chris Treanor, PAGE executive director. “By campaigning on and legislating for reliable, affordable, and clean energy, American policymakers can position our country to lead a successful long-term energy transition that reduces emissions, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy.”
Key findings from the nationwide poll of registered voters include:
Natural gas ranks top among energy sources just behind renewables.
Only slightly behind renewables, such as solar (84%) and wind energy (78%), natural gas is the top energy source voters want to see used more, with 67% in favor of increased usage.
Democrats’ support for natural gas production continues to climb.
Nearly 70% of voters support increasing natural gas production, including 59% of Democrats and with net support of more production increasing 10 points among moderate Democrats specifically since 2022.
Strengthening U.S. energy independence and reducing energy costs are the leading energy policy goals among American voters.
Reducing energy costs is a top priority for a majority of voters across party lines, including 62% of moderate Democrats and 58% of Independents. Additionally, nearly 60% of voters believe that strengthening U.S. energy independence is vital for energy policy.
Support for a steady clean energy transition that keeps energy affordable and reliable has increased since 2022.
Overall, voter preference for a steady clean energy transition has increased by 11%, from 65% in 2022 to 76% today. Among Democrats, preference for a steady transition has increased by 7%, from 73% in 2022 to 80%, but notably has increased by 9%, from 67% to 76%, among Democrats under 50 who are typically the most bullish on the transition to renewables.
A majority of voters believe it is important for the U.S. to support our Western Allies by providing reliable energy exports, and there is support for increasing natural gas exports.
More than half of all voters (58%) and Democrats (63%) say it’s important to support our allies by providing reliable energy exports of natural gas.In the same vein, there is net support (+12 overall / +13 Democrats) for increasing the exportation of American-produced natural gas to allied nations.
“This polling data reveals important insights as we near Election Day, showing broad bipartisan support for natural gas production – particularly among Democrats,” said Luke Martin, Vice President at Impact Research. “While reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change are priorities for Democrats, so is reducing energy costs. That’s why voters across the board favor a steady transition to cleaner energy that is both affordable and reliable, with natural gas as a key part of that solution.”
Impact Research’s survey was a nationwide poll of 1,000 registered voters with an over sample of 500 Democrats conducted between April 9-15, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 and +/- 3.5 for the overall Democratic sample.
About PAGE
The Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) is a coalition of responsible energy companies, allied NGOs, labor unions and leading climate advocates dedicated to reducing global emissions by promoting U.S. policies that protect the climate, strengthen the economy, lower energy costs and bolster energy security through the production and export of cleaner natural gas. Learn more at https://www.pagecoalition.com/.