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Survey Reveals Broad Bipartisan Support for Expanding Clean Energy to Lower Costs for Pennsylvanians
Governor Shapiro’s clean energy plan scores high marks among voters
A new poll revealed that Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support increasing clean energy options to help lower energy costs and create quality jobs.
Two-thirds of voters, including 70% of registered independents and a plurality of Republicans, have a favorable opinion of clean energy companies, and Pennsylvanians favor lawmakers who support efforts to expand clean energy, according to the survey of 800 registered voters conducted by Global Strategy Group on behalf of the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania.
The poll shows that Pennsylvania voters see tangible economic benefits to expanded clean energy use, including reduced costs on their energy bills from a more competitive energy marketplace, and more job opportunities for Pennsylvania workers.
“Pennsylvania voters know that clean energy isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also critical to lowering energy prices for working families and local businesses,” said Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania Executive Director Molly Parzen. “We believe these poll results should be wind at the backs of Governor Shapiro and our environmental champions in the legislature who are pursuing common sense, bipartisan solutions that will fight climate change and create new, union jobs.”
Additionally, the polling shows that large majorities of voters support one of Governor Shapiro’s signature clean energy proposals, the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard proposal, or PRESS.
Sixty one percent of voters support the proposal, which would require that the state get 35 percent of its electricity from clean energy sources, including wind and solar, by the year 2035. Clear majorities believe this policy will lead to improved air and water quality, positive implications for climate change, and improved health for Pennsylvanians.
Voters were also surprised at the low rate of clean energy the commonwealth currently utilizes, with just 3% of electricity coming from renewable sources. Once informed of this fact, support for additional clean energy soared even higher.
Overall, this poll demonstrates that a clear majority agree that lawmakers should do more to encourage clean energy, that it’s important the state does not fall behind others on clean energy, and that more clean energy will mean more good jobs and save families money.
Critically, this poll comes as Governor Shapiro has proposed his ambitious Lightning Plan that would boost clean energy while lowering costs for working families and creating jobs.
“These poll results demonstrate the clear strategic benefit of supporting strong clean energy policies, including Governor Shapiro’s Lightning Plan,” Parzen said. “Voters know that expanded clean energy promises to deliver job growth, reduced energy costs, and create a healthier Pennsylvania environment for future generations. As we enter into critical budget negotiations that will help determine the future of Pennsylvania’s energy policy, leaders in Harrisburg need to know that voters support policies that will ensure our commonwealth’s place as a leader in building a 21st century economy.”
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