Republicans, Conservatives Favor Comprehensive Energy & Climate Policy, Poll Shows

May 6, 2010

A majority of Republican and conservative voters favor an energy policy that boosts domestic energy production and caps carbon dioxide emissions, a national poll released today shows.

The survey showed that 52 percent of Republicans, and a similar number of self-identified conservatives (48 percent of whom identify as GOP, 35 percent as independent, and 15 percent as Democratic), support a national energy policy boosting domestic energy production and capping carbon emissions. Only 36 percent were opposed. Among the 35 percent of voters indicating support for the Tea Party movement, 47 percent favored the policy with 42 percent opposed.

The results of this survey bolster the approach reflected in the soon-to-be-introduced American Power Act crafted by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).

"Lawmakers need to recognize that there is solid conservative support for balanced legislation that addresses carbon pollution while making our nation more energy-independent," David Jenkins, REP vice president of government and political affairs, said.

In addition to majority support among Republicans, 68 percent of independents and 80 percent of Democrats support this policy.

In a separate question, the poll found that an overwhelming majority of self-identified conservatives, 86 percent, believe that conserving natural resources and environmental stewardship are conservative values. The number was similarly impressive among Tea Party supporters, 84 percent.

"Even though many of the self-proclaimed 'conservatives' that populate our radio airwaves have abandoned these values, real rank-and-file conservatives across our nation understand that conservation and stewardship are essential elements of conservatism," Jenkins said.

"This survey shows that it's time to stop treating the environment as a partisan issue. Voters across the spectrum, including conservatives, believe that we should conserve resources. They expect their elected representatives to act accordingly and find bipartisan approaches to managing the environment responsibly," Jim DiPeso, REP vice president for policy and communications, said.

"It is clear that Republican lawmakers better represent conservatives when they act as responsible stewards of our natural resources and work constructively to solve the energy and environmental challenges that face our nation and the world," DiPeso said.

The survey was a collaborative effort between Republicans for Environmental Protection and Bellwether Research & Consulting. Bellwether conducted a national survey of 802 voters via landline (84 percent) and cellular (16 percent) telephone between April 26-May 2, 2010.

Click here to view survey tabs.