Interest in green energy tax incentives and renewable sources like wind and solar has seen a downturn among Americans, particularly among Democrats and independents, according to a recent survey.
A survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates a decline in support for tax credits related to electric vehicles and solar panels. Similarly, enthusiasm for offshore wind farm development has waned. Although Democrats still lead in supporting these measures, there’s noticeable skepticism growing within the group.
The timing of these findings aligns with significant regulatory adjustments being implemented by former President Donald Trump’s Republican administration, which include reducing the federal workforce in energy and climate change sectors. Despite the decline in support among Democrats and independents, there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in backing for Trump’s energy strategies.
Only about 40% of Americans approve of Trump’s approach to climate change, including a mere 10% of Democrats and approximately 20% of independents, while three-quarters of Republicans express approval. This sentiment mirrors Trump’s general approval ratings.
Support for electric vehicle tax credits has decreased among Democrats from 70% in 2022 to 58% currently, while among independents, it dropped from 49% to 28%. Republicans’ support remains low and unchanged at around 25%.
JD Johnson, a 62-year-old Democrat from Meadowview, Virginia, commented on the issue, stating, “As far as the pollution goes … the vehicles nowadays put out very little emissions to the air,” expressing some opposition to electric vehicle tax credits due to the energy-intensive manufacturing process and improvements in gasoline-powered vehicles.
Similarly, support for solar panel tax credits has declined across all political affiliations. Glenn Savage, a 78-year-old left-leaning independent from Rock Hill, South Carolina, shared his view: “For solar panels, in all honesty, I don’t think they’re that efficient yet,” advocating for more research before offering tax breaks.
Scientists emphasize the importance of transitioning to renewable energies to mitigate climate change. Efforts by President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration to fund clean energy projects have faced setbacks under Trump’s leadership, including the stalling of offshore wind sector growth due to an executive order halting project approvals.
Support for expanding offshore wind farms has decreased to 44% from 59% in 2022, and favorability for expanding solar farms has also dropped from about two-thirds to half of Americans.
As economic concerns rise, environmental issues may take a backseat, suggests Talbot Andrews, an assistant professor at Cornell University, who was not involved in the poll. “I think it makes people anxious to think about increased taxes or increased spending on environmental issues when the cost of eggs are going through the roof,” Andrews noted.
Trump has pushed for increased offshore oil drilling and domestic coal production. However, only about one-third of Americans support expanding offshore drilling and coal mining, with Republicans more inclined to endorse these measures than Democrats.
Trump’s efforts to enable oil drilling in national monuments face public opposition, as only a quarter of Americans support auctioning off more public land for drilling. More Republicans than Democrats or independents support this initiative.
The Energy Star program, recognized for certifying energy-efficient appliances, faces potential termination under the Trump administration. Despite this, the poll showed that 75% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans back consumer rebates for energy-efficient home appliances.
Patrick Buck, a 54-year-old liberal Republican from Chicago, expressed support for these rebates, stating, “It seems to work in terms of transforming what people have in their houses, because a lot of people have a lot of old appliances and just can’t afford new ones.”
Confidence in the federal government’s ability to ensure the safety of essentials like drinking water and food remains low, with only 20% of Americans expressing strong confidence.
The Trump administration plans to reduce regulations on pollution and emissions, including power plant pollution limits and California’s gas car phase-out. Staff cuts at the Food and Drug Administration have also been announced.
Original Story at abcnews.go.com