PENNSYLVANIA VOTERS VOICE PRIDE IN EFFORTS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

New statewide poll shows Republican, Democratic and Independent voters all call efforts to improve the environment, like RGGI, a top influencing issue when it’s time to vote

PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 25, 2021) – By more than a 2-to-1 ratio, Pennsylvania voters agree that it gives them a sense of pride to see Pennsylvania taking proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its harmful effects on the environment. The question, posed recently to 714 likely Pennsylvania voters, shows their support for the state to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state effort to reduce harmful carbon emissions. 

When told about the role of RGGI, 60% of Pennsylvania voters, including 55% of Republicans, 64% of Democrats and 59% of Independents say it gives them a sense of pride to see Pennsylvania taking such proactive measures when it comes to creating a healthier environment.

Voters also made it clear (65% vs. 20%) they want to see the state government assist communities that have already been experiencing job losses as a result of the ongoing transition away from coal-fired power plants – exactly what RGGI can deliver in Pennsylvania. Despite ongoing efforts by Republican lawmakers to block RGGI in Pennsylvania, a full 60% of self-identified Republicans support this transitional support.

“Yet again, Pennsylvania voters of all party affiliations are making it very clear they want their elected officials to take bold action to reduce carbon emissions,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Executive Director and Chief Counsel at the Clean Air Council, which sponsored the survey. “This survey was conducted in late September, just a few weeks after Pennsylvanians felt the powerful effects of Hurricane Ida. It’s not a surprise they are ready for change as they are all too aware of the consequences of inaction when it comes to impacts on our climate.”

The survey, conducted by Susquehanna Polling & Research from Sept. 24-30, 2021, also found that 59% of Pennsylvania voters say they’d be “more inclined” to vote for a candidate that supports initiatives that help improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions. “This not only includes majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, but majorities in all geographic regions of the Commonwealth, including the conservative “T” and Southcentral Pennsylvania,” said James Lee, President, Susquehanna Polling & Research. “This shows voters are willing to make efforts to improve the environment a top influencing issue when they head to the ballot box.”

“Clean air is simply not a partisan issue,” added Minott. “These latest efforts by Republican lawmakers to block RGGI by House and Senate resolutions are not what their constituents want – not even their Republican constituents. Pennsylvanians are ready to move forward with RGGI.”

Full survey results are available here.