AFTER OIL SPILL, VOTERS WANT NEW ENERGY

Support for energy bill
Jopel Benenson, May 7, 2010 (Benenson Strategy Group)

"In the aftermath of the oil spill disaster, voters overwhelmingly support a comprehensive clean energy bill. As we’ve consistently seen in research over the years, voters understand the dangers of our dependence on oil. Now, they’re ready to hold Congress accountable.

"…When asked who they blame for our dependence on oil, voters are more likely to blame Washington politicians protecting special interests that fund their campaigns (33%) than big oil companies and lobbyists trying to protect their profits (27%). And just 12% blame corporations who aren’t doing enough to use clean energy and 10% blame environmentalists blocking sensible solutions."

A recent poll done by the wind industry showed similar findings. The nation wants New Energy. (click to enlarge)

"…[V]oters support a comprehensive clean energy bill by large double-digit margins…[and] indicate their Senator’s vote could be an impactful re-election factor…61% of 2010 voters support and just 31% oppose a bill ‘that will limit pollution,
invest in domestic energy sources and encourage companies to use and develop clean energy…by charging energy companies for carbon pollution in electricity or
fuels like oil.’ …54% would be more likely to re-elect their Senator if he or she voted for the bill…51% would be less likely to re-elect their Senator if he or she voted against the bill…"

The fastest way to New Energy is the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) in the energy bill and voters want it. (click to enlarge)

"…While support has always been high for the energy bill, 39% of voters now say they are more likely to support it in the wake of the oil spill (14% say it makes them more likely to oppose the bill and 47% say it does not affect their view).

"…[B]y almost two-to-one, voters agree that now is the time for Senators to act while opposition messaging falls flat… 59% of voters agree that ‘Now is the time for Senators to take action. Oil companies and lobbyists have fought energy reform for decades to protect their profits. Our dependence on oil hurts our economy, helps our enemies and puts our security at risk. It’s time to put America back in control – with clean energy that’s made in America and works for America.’ … Just 31% agree that ‘Senators would be wrong to try to use this tragedy to pass a huge new Washington program and job-killing energy tax. Their plan will raise the price of gas right at the pump, hurt middle class families and stop oil drilling in America, which is a big part of the long-term solution to making us less dependent on foreign oil.’…"