Republicans, Democrats Like Energy Efficiency, Says Survey

According to a poll by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 9 in 10 likely voters support energy efficiency.  The poll of 1,000 likely voters, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, indicated broad support of energy efficiency among conservative, moderate and liberal groups.

Just last week, a new version of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, which would promote more energy efficiency nationwide, was introduced by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

Other survey results include:

• 66 percent disapprove of the job congress is doing in addressing energy issues and meeting the country’s energy needs. 24 percent approve of the job congress is doing.
• 94 percent support using energy efficient products. 70 percent “strongly” support it. Only 5 percent oppose using energy efficient products. The support is broad and intense among all demographic and political groups.
• 90 percent believe it’s important to include energy efficiency as part of the US’s energy solutions. This overwhelming sentiment is evident among Republicans (86 percent), Democrats (99 percent) and Independents (88 percent). 56 percent says it’s “very” important. Only 9 percent say it’s not important.
• 74 percent support investing taxpayers’ dollars on energy efficiency technologies, innovations and programs if it would save consumers more money. 22 percent oppose it. The majority support cuts across political lines: Republicans (63 percent to 33 percent), Democrats (91 percent to 6 percent) and Independents (68 percent to 29 percent).
• 69 percent are more likely to support investing taxpayers’ dollars on energy efficiency if the investments in energy efficiency won’t raise taxes, won’t add to the federal deficit and won’t have any government mandates on consumers. This makes two-thirds or more of voters regardless of party affiliation more likely to support investing taxpayers’ dollars on energy efficiency: Republicans (65 percent), Democrats (78 percent) and Independents (67 percent).