State of the Election and
Environmental / Energy Issues
Environment America
Phone Presentation
October 21, 2008
Key Attitudes Around the
Environment and Global Warming
•
Americans feel the environment is deteriorating and are pessimistic about
the outlook for future generations.
•
Environmental issues, including global warming, are of secondary concern to
voters today, trailing behind issues such the economy, health care, and
education.
•
Awareness of global warming is increasing and it has emerged as one of the
top environmental issues to voters. Americans also believe that global
warming is one of the top threats to the U.S. and its allies.
•
However, intensity of concern around global warming is still low.
•
People believe we should take action now to address global warming and are
taking personal action to reduce their carbon footprint. This is true
whatever they think the cause.
Lake Research Partners
2
Key Attitudes Around the
Environment and Global Warming
•
Energy policy taps environmental, economic, pocketbook, and security
concerns. It taps values of independence, security, prosperity,
opportunity, and future.
•
A majority of Americans trust the U.S. to do the right thing in protecting
the environment compared to other countries.
•
When developing new sources of energy is referenced, Americans tend
to place greater emphasis on that goal over protecting the environment.
•
The emergence of gas prices and energy concerns is problematic for
environmental advocates since voters are growing more supportive of
increasing domestic drilling. They want to do it all now.
•
Americans do not know much about either Presidential candidates’
stance on global warming, but they think Barack Obama will do more to
reduce global warming in the future than John McCain will.
Lake Research Partners
3
Top Environmental Issues and
Values
Voters remain concerned about the environment
Most Americans believe the condition of the natural
environment is poor or fair. Less than one in four say it is
excellent or good.
How would you rate the condition of the natural environment in the world today-excellent, good, fair, poor, or very poor?
-75%
-75%
Very poor
-28%
-50%
-9% 3%
-25%
Somewhat poor
0%
Fair
Excellent
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
24%
25%
Good
5
When asked to consider environmental issues generally,
global warming stands out as the most pressing
environmental issue facing the country now as well as in
the long term.
Which is the most pressing or important environmental issue facing the United
States right now/in the long term?
50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
38%38%
13%12%
Global
warming
Air pollution
11%10%
Toxic or
hazardous
waste
Right Now
10% 10%
Population
growth
8% 8%
7% 7%
6% 7%
Water
pollution
Garbage
and landfills
Safe
drinking
water
Long Term
MWR Strategies. Conducted 1/26-2/2/07; surveyed 1,000 registered voters; margin of error +/-3.1%
Lake Research Partners
6
Thinking about threats to the U.S., global warming
follows dependence on Middle Eastern oil and terrorism
as top threats.
The following have been cited by various commentators as threats to
the United States and our allies. Which one do you believe is the most
significant threat/ next most significant threat?...
50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
24%
21%
18%
14%
Dependence on
Middle East oil
13%12%
Terrorism
16%
11%
Global warming, Iran's missile
environmental
and nuclear
concerns
technology
Most significant threat
8%
11%
10%
5%
4% 5%
Proliferation of China's military Countries like
nuclear
power
N. Korea
weapons
Next most significant
Opinion Research Corporation, July 24-July 27, 2008 and based on telephone
interviews with a national adult sample of 1,004.
Lake Research Partners
7
Two-thirds of Americans say they follow news
about the environment.
How closely are you following news about the environment these days--a great
deal, somewhat, just a little or not at all?
-32%
-40%
-7%
-20%
Not at all
0%
67%
26%
20%
Just a little
40%
Great deal
60%
80%
Somewhat
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
8
Americans tend not to trust the things scientists
say about the environment.
How much do you trust the things that scientists say about the environment-completely, a lot, a moderate amount, a little, or not at all?
6%
7%
24%
23%
Completely
A lot
A moderate amount
A little
Not at all
39%
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
9
Over seven in ten Americans report doing
something to reduce their carbon footprint.
A person's 'carbon footprint' is the amount of greenhouse gases put out as a result
of his or her energy use. That includes energy used directly, like electricity and
fuel, as well as the energy it takes to make all the products you use. Are you
personally doing anything to reduce your carbon footprint, or not?
80%
71%
70%
60%
50%
40%
28%
30%
20%
1%
10%
0%
Yes, doing anything
No, not doing anything
No opinion
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
10
Using less electricity, decreasing driving and
recycling are the top ways people are reducing
their carbon footprint.
What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?
Subpopulation/Note: Asked of those who said they are doing anything to reduce
their carbon footprint (71%).
48%
Using less electricity
36%
33%
Driving less
Recycling
12%
11%
Using compact light bulbs
Using less gas
Driving more fuel efficient car
Using less water
Buying local/organic food
Walking/Biking/Scootering
Carpooling
0%
7%
5%
5%
5%
5%
10%
20%
30%
40%
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews
with a national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
50%
60%
11
Core environmental values for voters

In our research, we have found that a number of core values resonate strongly
in support of protecting the environment, including:
o
o
o
o

Stewardship
Responsibility
Future generations
Public health (particularly as it relates to children)
Examples of language that resonates:
o
o
o
We have a duty to future generations to be good stewards of the environment,
and leave it in as good or even better shape than we found it.
We have a responsibility to protect the lakes, rivers, forests, natural areas and
parks that we all enjoy.
Clean air to breathe and clean water to drink are critical to everyone’s health. By
reducing pollution, we can prevent illnesses and disease.
Lake Research Partners
12
Global Warming
Voters have a long-term concern about the environment
Americans are divided on the importance of
global warming.
How important is the issue of global warming to you personally--extremely
important, very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all
important?
-54%
-60%
-9%
-40%
Not important at all
Extremely important
-20%
0%
46%
16%
20%
Not too important
Very important
40%
60%
Somewhat important
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
14
There is a sharp partisan divide over the urgency
of global warming, though even a narrow
majority of Republicans say it is serious.
Global warming: How serious a problem?


Democrats: 85% serious (57% very serious)

Independents: 75% serious (46% very)

Republicans: 51% serious (22% very)
Even though global warming is seen as serious by a majority across
political parties, it is not at the top of Americans’ issue agenda. In
January 2008, only 35% of Americans said it should be a top priority
for the president and Congress this year.
*Source: Pew Research Center for People and the Press. Results for this survey are based on telephone interviews
conducted under the direction of Abt SRBI, Inc. among a nationwide sample of 1,502 adults, 18 years of age or older,
from April 23-27, 2008.
Lake Research Partners
15
A plurality of Americans say they know a
moderate amount about global warming.
How much do you feel you know about global warming--a lot, a moderate amount, a little, or
nothing?
60%
49%
50%
62%
40%
33%
37%
30%
20%
13%
10%
4%
0%
A lot
A moderate
amount
A little
Nothing
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a national
adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
16
A strong majority believe there is solid evidence of global
warming and a majority believe it is mostly due to human
activity rather than natural weather patterns.
Do you believe that the earth is getting warmer mostly because of human activity such as burning
fossil fuels, or mostly because of natural patterns in the earth's environment?
Subpopulation/Note: Asked of those who said there is solid evidence the average temperature on
earth has been getting warmer over the past few decades (71%).
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
66%
25%
8%
Mostly because of
Mostly because of
human activity such as natural patterns in the
burning fossil fuels
earth's environment
Don't know/Refused
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Survey. Conducted by Abt SRBI, April
23-April 27, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,502.
Lake Research Partners
17
While a third say global warming does not
influence weather events, a majority say global
warming makes these events more frequent.
(If Not sure temperatures are rising, add: Assuming its happening,) Overall, do you think global
warming is making weather events like droughts and storms more frequent, making them less
frequent, or do you think the frequency of these weather events is not being influenced by global
warming?
80%
70%
58%
60%
50%
34%
40%
30%
20%
4%
4%
10%
0%
More frequent
Less frequent
Not influenced
No opinion
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
18
Weather events like fires in the Western U.S. and
flooding in the Midwest are thought to be
unrelated to global warming, but melting ice caps
are associated with it.
Do you think... in the last 12 months is associated with global warming, or
unrelated to it?
Fires in the
West
-59%
Flooding in the
Midwest
38%
-52%
Melting of ice near the North and
South Poles
-60%
-40%
45%
-24%
-20%
74%
0%
Unrelated
20%
40%
60%
80%
Associated
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, June 17-June 26, 2008 and based on
telephone interviews with a national likely voters sample of 806.
Lake Research Partners
19
A majority think there is a lot of
disagreement among scientists on this
issue.
Do you think most scientists agree with one another about whether or not global warming is
happening, or do you think there is a lot of disagreement among scientists on this issue?
57%
60%
50%
40%
39%
30%
20%
10%
4%
0%
Most agree
A lot of disagreement
No opinion
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a national
adult
samplePartners
of 1,000.
Lake
Research
20
Similarly, nearly two-thirds think there is a lot of
disagreement among scientists about how much of a
threat global warming poses.
Do you think most scientists agree with one another about how much of a threat
global warming poses, or is there a lot of disagreement among scientists about
that? Subpopulation/Note: Asked of half sample .
-62%
33%
-70% -60% -50% -40% -30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
A lot of disagreement
Most agree
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
21
A majority say average temperatures have been
higher in the last three years, less than one in
ten say lower.
As far as you know, would you say that average temperatures around the world have been higher
in the last three years than before that, lower, or about the same?
70%
60%
58%
50%
40%
31%
30%
20%
8%
10%
3%
0%
Higher
Lower
About the same
Don't know
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a national
adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
22
There is a sense that future generations will
face a serious threat from the effects of global
warming.
(If Not sure temperatures are rising, add:Assuming it's happening,) If nothing is
done to address it, do you think the effects of global warming will pose a serious
threat…?
To future generations
-16%
To people within the lifetimes
of today’s children
To you or your way of
in your lifetime
life
81%
-25%
-61%
-90% -70% -50% -30% -10%
No, will not pose a threat
73%
37%
10%
30%
50%
70%
90%
Yes, will pose a threat
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
23
Nearly three-fourths think global warming can be
reduced only if people make major changes in
their lifestyle.
(If Not sure temperatures are rising, add: Assuming it's happening,) Do you think
global warming can be/could be reduced without people like you making major
changes in your lifestyle, or only if people like you make major changes in your
lifestyle?
80%
73%
70%
60%
50%
40%
22%
30%
20%
5%
10%
0%
Only if people make
major changes
Even without people
making changes
No opinion
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
24
Half of those who are not sure that temperatures are rising think
global warming can be reduced without causing financial
hardship. A quarter foresee serious hardship and a fifth see not
so serious hardship.
(If Not sure temperatures are rising, add: Assuming it's happening,) do you think global warming
can be/could be reduced without causing people like you financial hardship or only with financial
hardship to people like you? (If Hardship, ask:) Do you think it would be serious hardship, or not
serious?
80%
70%
60%
50%
50%
44%
40%
30%
25%
19%
20%
5%
10%
0%
Serious hardship
Not serious
hardship
Without hardship
No opinion
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
25
Americans split on government and
business reducing global warming.
(If Not sure temperatures are rising, add: If it's occurring,) which do you think
would do a better job reducing global warming: the government, through laws
intended to reduce the output of greenhouse gases, or businesses, through
competition in the market system?
80%
70%
60%
50%
43%
45%
40%
30%
20%
8%
10%
4%
0%
Government
Businesses
Both equally
No opinion
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
26
A plurality of Americans think China
emits the most carbon dioxide.
Which one of the following countries do you think now emits the most carbon dioxide--the
greenhouse gas that has been linked to global warming? Is it...China, Russia, United States, or
India?
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
42%
39%
10%
6%
China
U.S.
India
3%
Russia
Don't know
Princeton Survey Research Associates International, June 18-June 19, 2008
and based on telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,010.
Lake Research Partners
27
Attitude around China’s culpability in damaging
the environment have shifted up over the past
year and a half.
Which country is hurting the world’s environment the most among the U.S., China, India, Germany, Brazil,
Japan and Russia?
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
-11
+18
40%
33%
22%
U.S.
22%
Spring 2008
Spring 2007
China
Pew Global Attitudes Project. April 9-17, 2008 1,000 adults nationwide
Lake Research Partners
28
A majority of Americans trust the U.S. to
do the right thing in protecting the
environment.
Which one of the following countries would you trust most to do the right thing in protecting the
world's environment?...India, Germany, China, Brazil, Japan, United States, Russia,
57%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
15%
2%
3%
1%
India
Russia
4%
7%
10%
0%
China
U.S.
Germany
Brazil
Japan
Don't
know
Princeton Survey Research Associates International, April 9-April 17, 2008 and based
on telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,000. Parallel surveys were
conducted in 23 other countries
Lake Research Partners
29
A strong majority think the U.S. should
take action on global warming.
Do you think the United States should take action on global warming only if other major
industrial countries such as China and India agree to do equally effective things, that the
United States should take action even if these other countries do less, or that the United
States should not take action on this at all?
Take action only if
other countries do
18%
Take action even
if other countries
do less
68%
Should not take
action at all
No opinion
86%
13%
2%
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
30
Americans are evenly divided over whether the
U.S. doing more than other countries to address
global warming will help the economy, hurt it or
have no effect.
If the United States does more than other countries to address global warming, do you think that
would help the US economy, hurt the US economy or have no effect? (If Help, ask:) Would it help a
great deal or somewhat? (If Hurt, ask:) Would it hurt a great deal or somewhat?
35%
33%
32%
15%
13%
Help
Hurt
29%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Great deal
Somewhat
No effect
No effect
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
Lake Research Partners
31
Until recently, voters set a priority of protecting
the environment over economic growth, now
voters split.
With which one of these statements about the environment and the economy do
you most agree--protection of the environment should be given priority, even at
the risk of curbing economic growth, or economic growth should be given priority,
even if the environment suffers to some extent?
60%
49%
44%
50%
40%
30%
20%
6%
10%
0%
Environment is priority
Economic growth is
priority
Both equally (Vol.)
CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Conducted by Opinion Research
Corporation, June 26-June 29, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national
adultPartners
sample of 1,026.
Lake
Research
32
Energy Policies and the Environment
Past the energy crisis, voters now want to
do it all, but don’t want to relax
environmental protections
Recently, when developing new sources of energy is
referenced, Americans tend to place greater emphasis on
that goal over protecting the environment.
Right now, which one of the following do you think should be a more important
priority for this country?...Protecting the environment, developing new sources of
energy
70%
60%
60%
50%
34%
40%
30%
20%
6%
10%
0%
Protecting the
environment
Developing new sources Don't know/Refused
of energy
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Voter Attitudes Survey. Conducted by Princeton
Survey Research Associates International, June 18-June 29, 2008 and based on telephone
interviews with a national adult including an oversample of 18-29 year olds sample of 2,004.
Lake Research Partners
34
The emergence of gas prices and energy concerns is
problematic for environmental advocates since voters are
growing more supportive of increasing domestic drilling.
How do you feel about increased drilling for oil and natural gas offshore in US
(United States) waters--do you strongly favor, mildly favor, mildly oppose, or
strongly oppose increased offshore drilling?
48%
Strongly favor
73%
25%
Mildly favor
Mildly oppose
15%
27%
Strongly oppose
12%
CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Survey by Cable News Network. Methodology: Conducted by Opinion Research
Corporation, June 26-June 29, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,026.
Lake Research Partners
35
Additionally, when asked specifically about opening up
wilderness areas that are currently protected by the federal
government, a majority support drilling in these areas.
Given the high price of gas, would you favor or oppose allowing oil drilling in US
(United States) coastal areas and wilderness areas that are currently protected by
the federal government?
38%
Strongly favor
Somewhat
favor
Somewhat
oppose
Strongly
oppose
55%
17%
38%
13%
Additionally, Pew’s
recent Center for the
People & the Press
Voter Attitudes
Survey found that
50 percent of
Americans favor
allowing oil and gas
drilling in the Arctic
National Wildlife
Refuge in Alaska.
25%
Democracy Corps Poll. Conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, June 22-June 25,
2008 and based on telephone interviews with a national likely voters sample of 2,008.
Lake Research Partners
36
Support for incentives in renewable energy
sources, promoting conservationism, and
building wind power turbines is widespread.
Now, thinking about the issue of energy and finding new sources of domestic
energy. I would like to read you a list of proposals regarding finding new domestic
sources for energy. Please listen carefully as I read each statement and tell me if
you would favor or oppose each of these proposals.
Incentives for renewable energy
sources like wind, solar and
geothermal
Promoting energy conservation
practices
Building new "wind power"
generating turbines
-5%
-6%
Crack down on speculators and
price gouging
Drilling for oil and
natural gas off the
Atlantic coastline
Building new nuclear
power plants to
generate electricity
-40%
93%
92%
-6%
90%
-14%
83%
-24%
72%
-27%
-20%
69%
0%
20%
Favor
Lake Research Partners
40%
60%
80%
100%
Oppose
37
A majority support promoting use of coal fired electricity,
ending oil company subsidies and drilling for oil in ANWR.
Voters split on easing environmental restrictions and a
majority oppose selling strategic petroleum reserve oil.
Now, thinking about the issue of energy and finding new sources of domestic
energy. I would like to read you a list of proposals regarding finding new domestic
sources for energy. Please listen carefully as I read each statement and tell me if
you would favor or oppose each of these proposals.
Promoting greater use of coal fired
electricity
Ending subsidies for oil companies
Drilling for oil and natural
gas in ANWR
Easing
environmental
restrictions
Selling oil from
the strategic
petroleum
reserve
-60%
-30%
64%
-27%
64%
-39%
58%
-48%
47%
-51%
-40%
-20%
40%
0%
Favor
Lake Research Partners
20%
40%
60%
80%
Oppose
38
Three-fourths of Americans are in favor of a five-year
moratorium on new coal power plants in the US if we
invest in clean, safe, renewable energy.
More than half of power plant-generated electricity comes from coal. Experts say that power plants are responsible for about
40 percent of US (United States) carbon dioxide pollution linked to global warming. There are plans to build more than 150
new coal-fired power plants over the next several years. Would you support a five-year moratorium on new coal-fired power
plants in the United States if there was stepped-up investment in clean, safe renewable energy--such as wind and solar--and
improved home energy-efficiency standards? Would you say...definitely yes, probably yes, probably no, or definitely no?
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
75%
22%
38%
11%
Yes
No
Definitely
Probably
Opinion Research Corporation, June 12-June 15, 2008 and based on
telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,005.
Lake Research Partners
39
Support is even stronger for a five-year moratorium when
an energy strategy includes tax incentives for new
construction and homeowner tax incentives to make
homes more energy efficient.
Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with the following statement. 'A national energy strategy based on a 'phasing
in' of new technologies and a phasing out of carbon based energy sources would require specific actions. America should
commit to a five-year moratorium on new coal-fired power plants and, instead, focus on aggressive expansion of wind, solar,
and other renewable energy sources. Tax and other incentives should be provided for all new construction to help reduce
energy consumption. Homeowners should get incentives to make their homes more energy efficient to help reduce energy
demands.' Would you say you...strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree?
100%
86%
80%
60%
40%
20%
49%
13%
6%
0%
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Somewhat
Opinion Research Corporation, June 12-June 15, 2008 and based on telephone
interviews with a national adult sample of 1,005.
Lake Research Partners
40
A majority of Americans currently favor of the idea of
building more nuclear power plants to generate
electricity. This sentiment has increased since one year
ago.
Now, thinking about the issue of energy and finding new sources of domestic
energy. I would like to read you a list of proposals regarding finding new domestic
sources for energy. Please listen carefully as I read each statement and tell me if
you would favor or oppose each of these proposals… Building new nuclear power
plants to generate electricity
70%
69%
60%
47%
45%
50%
40%
27%
30%
According to a recent
FOX News/Opinion
Dynamics Poll, 53% of
registered voters
believe nuclear power is
a safe source of energy.
20%
4%
10%
8%
0%
Favor/Approve
Oppose/Disapprove
Aug-08
Don't know/No answer
Apr-07
August 2008: Lake Research and The Tarrance Group August 10-14, 2008. 1,000 Registered “Likely” Voters
Nationwide. April 2007: Conducted by CBS News/New York Times, April 20-April 24, 2007 and based on telephone
interviews with a national adult sample of 1,052.
Lake Research Partners
41
There is a gender gap around nuclear power. Men favor
building new nuclear power plants by 17 points compared
to women.
Now, thinking about the issue of energy and finding new sources of domestic energy. I
would like to read you a list of proposals regarding finding new domestic sources for
energy. Please listen carefully as I read each statement and tell me if you would favor
or oppose each of these proposals… Building new nuclear power plants to generate
electricity
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
78%
69%
61%
32%
27%
21%
4%
8%
1%
Favor
Oppose
Total
Men
Unsure
Women
Lake Research and The Tarrance Group August 10-14, 2008. 1,000 Registered “Likely” Voters Nationwide.
Lake Research Partners
42
Election 08 and the Environment
It’s the economy, stupid, but green jobs are very popular.
When thinking about the next President and Congress’s
priorities, the environment trails other issues, like the
economy, health care and education.
I'd like to read you a list of priorities. Please tell me which one response you feel is the most important
priority/ second most important priority for the next President and Congress to address....The economy,
health care, education, homeland security, national defense, the environment?
The economy
15%
Health care
Education
8%
Homeland security
8%
7%
National defense
The environment
0%
45%
19%
5%
21%
13%
14%
11%
9%
10%
20%
Second priority
30%
40%
50%
Top priority
Opinion Research Corporation, July 24-July 27, 2008 and based on telephone
interviews with a national adult sample of 1,004.
Lake Research Partners
44
Thinking of ways to improve the economy, tax rebates for
more efficient homes and creating jobs in clean energy are
the top two policies for these voters. “Manufacturing” jobs
test better than just “jobs.”
10
Tax cuts and rebates for expenses related to
making homes more energy efficient such as
insulation, more efficient appliances,
38%
Incentives to create manufacturing jobs in
clean energy technologies such as solar,
wind, geothermal, and biomass
38%
"10-6"
6-9
86% 8.0
48%
43%
Tax incentives to purchase more fuel
efficient vehicles
36%
40%
26/27 Combined create jobs in clean energy
technologies
35%
43%
Incentives to create jobs in clean energy
technologies such as solar, wind,
geothermal, and biomass
32%
43%
Mean
81%
76%
78%
75%
7.9
7.6
7.7
7.6
Now thinking overall about the goal of improving the economy. I am going to read some policies that could be taken by
the next President and Congress. For each one, please rate how effective it would be at improving the economy. Use a
scale from 0 to 10, where 10 means it would be very effective, and 0 means it would not be effective at all, and 5 is
neutral. You can choose any number between 0 and 10.
Survey for the Blue Green Alliance among 900 likely voters in
Lake Research Partners Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
45
Nearly half of voters think Barack Obama would be better
on the issue of the environment and global warming. One
in five choose John McCain.
Now I'd like you to compare Barack Obama and John McCain on a few issues. For each one, please
tell me whether you think that Barack Obama or John McCain would be better on that issue. If you
think that both would be equally good or that neither would be good on a particular issue, just say
so. Who do you think would be better when it comes to...the environment and global warming-Barack Obama or John McCain, or do you think that both would be equally good or neither would
be good?
80%
70%
60%
47%
26
50%
40%
21%
30%
14%
20%
12%
6%
10%
0%
Barack
Obama
John McCain
Both equally
good
Neither good
Not sure
Hart and Newhouse Research Companies, August 15-August 18, 2008 national
registered voters sample of 1,000
Lake Research Partners
46
By a more than two to one margin, Americans
think Obama will do more to reduce global
warming in the future than will John McCain.
Regardless of how much detail you know, which (2008 presidential election) candidate do you think
would do more to reduce global warming in the future, (Barack) Obama or (John) McCain? (If
Obama/McCain, ask:) Do you think he would do a lot more, or more but not a lot?
60%
55%
50%
31
40%
30%
24%
20%
10%
9%
27%
2%
11%
0%
Obama
McCain
Strongly
Somewhat
Neither
Neither
Opinion Research Corporation, June 12-June 15, 2008 and based on
telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,005.
Lake Research Partners
Both
Both
47
A strong majority of Americans say the candidates’
positions on the environment will influence their vote at
least somewhat; half say it will influence it a great deal.
(There are a lot of issues that will have an impact on how people will vote in this election. If you do
vote, when casting your vote for President (in 2008), how much will the candidates' positions on
each of the following issues influence who gets your vote for President?)...The environment...A
great deal, somewhat, not really much, nothing--not important to me.
60%
84%
52%
50%
40%
32%
30%
16%
20%
10%
8%
8%
Not really much
Nothing- not
important
0%
A great deal
Somewhat
Ipsos-Public Affairs, August 7-August 12, 2008 and based on telephone interviews
with a national adult sample of 1,132.
Lake Research Partners
48
However, Americans are divided on the
importance of global warming in voting in this
year’s presidential election.
(Here are some issues in the news these days. Please tell me how important the issue is to you
personally in voting in this year's (2008) presidential election). Is...global warming an issue that is
extremely important to you, very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not
important at all?
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
51%
31%
29%
47%
20%
10%
8%
Extremely
important
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not too
important
Not
important at
all
Time. Conducted by Abt SRBI, July 31-August 4, 2008 and based on telephone
interviews with a national adult sample of 1,502.
Lake Research Partners
49
A strong majority are not familiar with either
candidates’ positions on global warming; a third
say they know nothing at all about their positions.
Thinking about the (2008) presidential election, how much do you feel you know about...
positions on global warming--a great deal, a lot, a moderate amount, a little or nothing at
all? (If Moderate, ask:) Would you lean toward saying a lot or a little?
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
McCain
Obama
78%
20%
1%
33%
5%
A lot
Moderate
amount
Nothing/ a
little
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
80%
19%
34%
0%
5%
A lot
Moderate
amount
Nothing/ a
little
ABC News, July 23-July 28, 2008 and based on telephone interviews with a
national adult sample of 1,000.
*Darker colors reflect intensity of
Lake Research Partners
response
50
Barack Obama’s energy independence
plan tests better than John McCain’s.
I am going to read you a list of specific proposals that would be part of
Obama's/McCain’s program. Please tell me whether each proposal would make you
much more likely, somewhat more likely, a little more likely, no more likely, or less
likely to support Barack Obama/John McCain in this year's (2008) presidential
election
McCain -36%
Obama
-17%
-26%
-40%
Less likely
-14%
-20%
63%
23%
0%
No more likley
72%
43%
20%
Much more likely
40%
60%
Somewhat more likely
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, June 17-June 26, 2008 and based on
telephone interviews with a national likely voters sample of 806.
Lake Research Partners
80%
Little more likely
51
Text of Candidates’ Plans

Obama: If we hope to take control of our own foreign policy
and deal with the threat of global warming we must take a real
commitment to energy independence. By investing in an
alternative energy infrastructure, taking concrete steps to
reduce carbon emissions and requiring that 25 percent of our
electricity come from renewable sources I will cut our oil use by
35 percent and create millions of quality jobs.

McCain: Our national security depends on our energy security,
that is why I have offered a common sense approach that
reduces our dependence on foreign sources of energy and
limits our carbon emissions by harnessing market forces that
will bring advanced technologies such as alternative and
nuclear energy to the market faster, promoting conservation
and increasing domestic oil production.
Lake Research Partners
52
State of the Election and
Environmental / Energy
Issues
Celinda Lake
Clake@lakeresearch.com
202-776-9066