The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has announced the results of a national survey of wind energy public attitudes. The poll was conducted in late March by Anna Bennett and Neil Newhouse, partners respectively with Bennett, Petts & Normington and Public Opinion Strategies.
Results indicate a clear support for wind energy in general and shows support for new projects as well. This comes shortly after a new report was announced showing 160% global growth in the wind industry for the next five years.
Key Findings:
When asked about the impact on the economy of a greater dependency on renewables, 53% of respondents indicated that they believed the US economy would be stronger.
56% of respondents disapprove of the job Congress is doing on renewable energy and 67% believe Congress is not doing enough to increase renewable energy sources such as wind.
88% of respondents agreed that the US has an energy problem that presents a threat to our national security, and they believe we need to find more energy sources.
89% of respondents (84% of Republicans, 88% of Independents and 93% of Democrats) believe increasing the amount of energy the nation gets from wind is a good idea.
A majority of respondents, 77%, support a national Renewable Electricity Standard. This support is exhibited among all political affiliation and includes 65% of Republicans, 69% of Independents, 92% of Democrats.
Key Conclusions:
"There is broad national support for RES. Voters inherently accept the need for the RES, they support the goals of the RES and they believe they are realistic."
"The strongest case to make on behalf of wind and a RES revolves around three ideas: national security through energy independence; job creation and the economy (including lowering energy costs); and clean and renewable [energy]. Wind represents freedom from Middleast oil; it means job opportunities for Americans, and it's clean, non-polluting and renewable."
AWEA's CEO Denise Bode chimed in with the following:
“Wind works for America and that is why voters want Congress to pass a strong national RES. Americans understand that an RES will mean new manufacturing jobs, less dependence on imported energy, and more pure, clean, affordable energy for our country.”
The poll sampled a national survey of 600 likely voters. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points. For detailed results on the poll and AWEA's commentary see here and here.
Image courtesy of chaunceydavis518
Learn more about Wind Power on eBoom's Wind Energy Learning Page.
Jeff Swofford is a researcher for an energy efficiency organization in Portland, Oregon. He is currently on haitus from his EnergyBoom contributions, but you may see him floating around. His research interests include renewable energy implementation, energy efficiency, energy policy, and carbon mitigation.
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