Poll: Voters in swing states support transition to clean energy

NextGen Climate was founded by investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer in 2013 and acts politically to support sustainable, pro-climate initiatives. To that end, the organization released polling data that shows an overwhelming majority of voters in key presidential swing states support transitioning to at least 50% clean energy by 2030.

In a poll conducted by Hart Research, voters in eight battleground states—particularly young voters—say they are more likely to vote for a candidate who embraces this ambitious goal to address climate change by significantly increasing the amount of clean energy used to power our country.

• 70% of voters had a favorable reaction to a goal of at least 50% clean energy by 2030 — including 69% of independents and 54% of Republicans.

• 61% of voters said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who embraced this goal, while only 14% say they would be less likely.

“Transitioning to a clean energy economy is an ambitious goal, but one that is necessary and achievable — and politically potent, ” Steyer said. “It’s time for presidential candidates in both parties to produce plans to achieve at least 50% clean energy by 2030 and put us on a path to a completely clean energy economy by 2050—creating millions of jobs across the country and protecting our economy from the most devastating impacts of climate change.”

Don’t forget about the Administration’s goals for solar adoption

“There is a considerable upside for presidential candidates committing to a clear and ambitious energy goal and virtually no downside,” said Hart Research President Geoff Garin.

Swing state voters believe achieving at least 50% clean energy by 2030 is an “important priority” and “necessary” and favor specific policies and initiatives that will build a clean energy economy. Millennial voters are particularly likely to support the goal, and see it as “inspiring.”

Polling was conducted in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/poll-voters-in-swing-states-support-transition-to-clean-energy/]