220-3956
Voter Attitudes Toward Energy Issues in Ohio
Key Findings from a Statewide Voter Survey
August 2014
2
Bipartisan Research Team
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) – a national Democratic opinion research firm with offices in Oakland, Los Angeles and Madison, Wisconsin – has specialized in public policy oriented opinion research since 1981. The firm has assisted hundreds of political campaigns at every level of the ballot – from President to City Council – with opinion research and strategic guidance. FM3 also provides research and strategic consulting to public agencies, businesses and public interest organizations nationwide.
Public Opinion Strategies is the largest Republican polling firm in the country. Since the firm’s founding in 1991, they have completed more than 10,000 research projects, interviewing more than five million Americans across the United States. Media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, CNBC, and National Public Radio rely on Public Opinion Strategies to conduct their polling. The firm conducts polling on behalf of hundreds of political campaigns, as well as trade associations, not-for-profit organizations, government entities and industry coalitions throughout the nation.
As a bipartisan team, FM3 and Public Opinion Strategies have researched a wide range of issues for nearly a decade, in particular on conservation-related initiatives and policies. Together, the two firms have jointly conducted research on behalf of political campaigns, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and public agencies in 42 states and nationally.
Dave Metz – FM3
Lori Weigel – POS
3
Methodology
• Survey conducted July 26 – August 3, 2014
• Interviews on landline and wireless phones with 405 randomly-selected Ohio registered voters
• Margin of sampling error of +/-4.9%
5
Energy efficiency
Solar
Wind
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
80%
70%
51%
13%
20%
34% 9% 5%
Strng. Supp. Smwt. Supp. Smwt. Opp. Strng. Opp. DK/NA
Voters strongly support increased use of energy efficiency, solar and wind power.
Q6f/h/l. ^Not Part of Split Sample
Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs.
Total Supp.
Total Opp.
94% 4%
90% 8%
85% 14%
6
^Natural gas
Hydropower
^Coal
Nuclear
Biomass
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
49%
37%
29%
21%
13%
39%
45%
36%
32%
32%
6%
7%
20%
20%
7%
11%
5%
42%
12%
23%
6%
Strng. Supp. Smwt. Supp. Smwt. Opp. Strng. Opp. DK/NA
Voters support increasing the use of many sources of energy, with varying intensity.
Q6a/b/d/e/i. ^Not Part of Split Sample
Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs.
Total Supp.
Total Opp.
88% 10%
82% 7%
65% 32%
53% 43%
46% 13%
7
Support for Increased Energy Efficiency, by Party
6h. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. Split Sample
Energy Efficiency by Party
Democrats Independents Republicans0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0.81 0.730.85
0.11 0.190.11
3% 4% 4%0.04 0.04 0
Strongly Support Somewhat Support Total Oppose DK/NA
92% 93% 96%
8
Support for Increased Energy Efficiency, by Gender
6h. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. Split Sample
Energy Efficiency by Gender
Men Women0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0.750.85
0.170.1
6%2%0.02 0.03
Strongly Support Somewhat Support Total Oppose DK/NA
92% 95%
9
Support for Increased Energy Efficiency, by Age
6h. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. Split Sample
Energy Efficiency by Age
18-49 50-64 65+0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0.880.78 0.7
0.070.17
0.2
5% 3% 2%0 0.020.09
Strongly Support Somewhat Support Total Oppose DK/NA
95% 95%89%
10
$0-$25,000
$25,000-$50,000
$50,000-$75,000
$75,000-$100,000
$100,000+0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0.87 0.82 0.79 0.73 0.79
0.09 0.11 0.17 0.24 0.09
0% 2% 2% 2%10%
0.04 0.05 0.02 0 0.03
Strongly Support Somewhat Support Total Oppose DK/NA
Support for Increased Energy Efficiency, by Household Income
6h. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. Split Sample
Energy Efficiency by Income
96% 93% 96% 98%88%
11
Support for Increased Use of Wind Energy, by Party
6f. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. Split Sample
Wind by Party
Democrats Independents Republicans0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0.680.45 0.37
0.22
0.380.44
8%17% 19%
0.01 0 0
Strongly Support Somewhat Support Total Oppose DK/NA
91%83% 81%
12
$0-$25,000
$25,000-$50,000
$50,000-$75,000
$75,000-$100,000
$100,000+0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0.590.47 0.47 0.45
0.64
0.270.35 0.34 0.37
0.3
14% 16% 19% 18%7%
0 0.02 0 0 0
Strongly Support Somewhat Support Total Oppose DK/NA
Support for Increased Wind Energy, by Household Income
6f. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. Split Sample
Wind by Income
86% 83% 81% 82%
93%
13
Voters see many benefits to renewables.
Thinking about renewable energy like wind and solar power, please tell me if you think each of the following phrases describe renewable energy – very well, somewhat well,
not very well, or not at all well.
Allow us to be more self-reliant for energy
Will help to make our energy supply more secure
Reliable
An increasing source of good jobs
Affordable
The best power source for our state
Increasingly able to replace coal and fossil fuels
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
43%
40%
27%
37%
26%
28%
29%
44%
39%
49%
36%
43%
39%
29%
5%
12%
14%
14%
14%
21%
22%
7%
7%
6%
8%
11%
6%
15%
5%
5%
6%
5%
Very Well Smwt. Well Not Very Well Not At All Well No Opin./DK/NA
Q14. Split Sample
Total Well
Total Not Well
86% 12%
79% 19%
76% 20%
73% 22%
70% 25%
67% 27%
58% 37%
14
We ought to try to get our energy from as many diverse sources as we can, rather
than primarily relying onjust a few.
Rather than using more coal, we should move toward cleaner sources of energy.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
70%
49%
20%
26%
5%
9% 14%
Strng. Agr. Smwt. Agr. Smwt. Disagr. Strng. Disagr. DK/NA
Voters want to diversify energy sources and transition away from coal.
91%
75%
7a & c. Now I'm going to read you a series of statements about energy. Please tell whether you generally agree or disagree. Split Sample
8%
23%
15
Which of the following do you think should be the highest priority for meeting America’s energy needs?
Reducing our need for oil, natural gas and coal by increasing energy efficiency and
expanding our use of clean and renewable energy
Drilling and digging for more oil, natural gas, and coal within the United States
Both/Neither/DK/NA
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
59%
32%
9%
Voters would rather reduce the need for fossil fuels by expanding the use of energy efficiency and renewables.
Q9.
OR
17
One of Most/Very
Impt.
84%
80%
78%
77%
55%
46%
35%
44%
29%
30%
Voters see renewables as a bigger contributor to their economy than coal
or natural gas.
4. Thinking about the economy in your state, how important is each of the following industries to the economy in your state: one of the most important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important? Split Sample
Thinking about the economy in your state, how important is each of the following industries to the economy in your state: one of the most important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important?
Health care
Agriculture
Farming
Manufacturing
Computers and high technology
Renewable energy, including wind and solar power
Shale gas drilling
Natural gas drilling
Coal mining
Tourism and recreation
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
26%
20%
17%
16%
9%
9%
8%
7%
6%
57%
60%
62%
61%
46%
38%
27%
36%
23%
27%
15%
20%
19%
20%
35%
32%
31%
37%
35%
52%
8%
22%
25%
16%
31%
17%
9%
5%
One of Most Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. DK/NA
18
Voters believe increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency
projects will create new jobs….
Q10 & Q12. Split Sample
Increasing the use of clean, renewable energy sources like
wind and solar power….
Energy efficiency projects like weatherizing and insulating buildings, and upgrading appliances and technology in
homes and businesses ….
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75% 90%
56%
20%
11%
13%
Will create new jobs in Ohio
Will not affect jobs in Ohio
Will cost jobs in Ohio
All/None/DK
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75% 90%
65%
15%
11%
9%
76%Believe It
Either Does Not Affect/
Creates Jobs
80%Believe It
Either Does Not Affect/
Creates Jobs
19
…and reduce energy costs.
Q11 & Q13. Split Sample
Increasing the use of clean, renewable energy sources like
wind and solar power….
Energy efficiency projects like weatherizing and insulating buildings,
and upgrading appliances and technology in homes and businesses ….
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
47%
25%
20%
8%
Will reduce energy costs in Ohio
Will not affect energy costs in Ohio
Will increase energy costs in Ohio
All/None/DK
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
63%
17%
12%
8%
72%Believe It
Either Does Not Affect/Reduces
Costs
80%Believe It
Either Does Not Affect/Reduces
Costs
2116a. I would like to read you some ideas related to energy that might be proposed by people in Ohio. Please tell me whether it sounds like something you would support or oppose. Not Part of Split Sample
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
DK/NA
0% 15% 30% 45% 60%
37%
34%
10%
15%
4%
Total Support
72%
Total Oppose
24%
Voters like the idea of an expanded RES.
Requiring that Ohio get 25% of its electricity from renewable sources
22
Democrats Independents Republicans0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
87%
70%
56%
9%
28%
40%
4% 2% 5%
Total Support Total Oppose DK/NA
Idea of Expanding RES by Party
Majorities of voters across party lines back the idea of an expanded RES.
16a. I would like to read you some ideas related to energy that might be proposed by people in Ohio. Please tell me whether it sounds like something you would support or oppose. Not Part of Split Sample
23
Total Supp.
Total Opp.
85% 14%
85% 13%
83% 17%
76% 22%
63% 33%
61% 34%
Investing in retraining workers to work in clean energy jobs such as wind and solar
Making it more affordable for residents and businesses to install solar power at their homes or businesses
Increasing requirements for utilities to invest in energy efficiency improvements in homes and businesses
Increasing state government investment in the development of clean, renewable energy sources
Closing down older coal-burning power plants and replacing them with greater use of renewable energy and energy efficiency
Requiring utilities to double the amount of renewable energy they provide
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
65%
62%
54%
48%
37%
27%
19%
23%
29%
28%
26%
34%
7%
6%
12%
11%
13%
19%
7%
7%
5%
11%
20%
15% 5%
Strng. Supp. Smwt. Supp. Smwt. Opp. Strng. Opp. DK/NA
They also support a wide range of other policy proposals to increase clean
energy use.
16c/d/e/h/i/j. I would like to read you some ideas related to energy that might be proposed by people in Ohio. Please tell me whether it sounds like something you would support or oppose. Split Sample
25
In thinking about the election for state office in your area later this year, I am going to read you a series of pairs of descriptions of different candidates. Please tell me
which candidate in each pair you think you would be most likely to vote for:
A candidate who says requiring electric utilities to help customers increase energy efficiency will
reduce air pollution and will save ratepayers money
A candidate who says requiring electric utilities to help customers increase energy efficiency is a
“hidden tax” that will cost ratepayers money
Both/Neither/DK/NA
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
69%
23%
8%
OR
Q21c.
Voters reject candidates who frame energy efficiency
requirementsas a “hidden tax.”
26
In thinking about the election for state office in your area later this year, I am going to read you a series of pairs of descriptions of different candidates. Please tell me
which candidate in each pair you think you would be most likely to vote for:
A candidate who wants to promote more use of clean, renewable energy – like wind and solar
power – in Ohio
A candidate who wants to continue to rely on coal, natural gas or nuclear power to meet
Ohio's energy needs
Both/Neither/DK/NA
0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
64%
31%
5%
OR
Voters also favor a candidate who wants a transition to renewables.
Q21b.
27
Democrats Independents Republicans0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
82%
61%
47%
15%
33%
47%
3% 6% 7%
More Renewables Traditional Sources Both/Neither/DK/NA
Preferred Candidate Energy Position by Party
Democrats and independents favor a candidate who will switch to clean energy, and GOP voters
are split.
21b. In thinking about the election for state office in your area later this year, I am going to read you a series of pairs of descriptions of different candidates. Please tell me which candidate in each pair you think you would be most likely to vote for:
28
Difference
+74%
+71%
+65%
+64%
+56%
The strongest positioning for a candidate focuses on middle-income job
creation.
Q20. Split Sample
In thinking about the elections for state office this November, please tell me how a candidate taking each of the following positions would impact your vote – would it make
you more likely or less likely to vote for that candidate, or would it not make much difference in your vote decision?
20%0%20%40%60%80%100%
82%
77%
74%
75%
68%
8%
6%
9%
11%
12%
Total More Likely Total Less LikelyA candidate who wants to improve the economy
by creating more middle-income jobs in the clean energy and clean technology industries, and
training Ohio workers to fill themA candidate who wants to reduce government red tape so consumers can choose rooftop solar and
any form of financing it
A candidate who wants to make Ohio a leader in developing innovative clean energy technologies
A candidate who wants to improve the economy by creating more middle-income jobs in the clean
energy and clean technology industries
A candidate who wants to promote more use of renewable energy – like wind and solar power
29
The only negative profile focuses on a candidate who wants to cut support for
clean energy.
20. In thinking about the elections for state office this November, please tell me how a candidate taking each of the following positions would impact your vote – would it make you more likely or less likely to vote for that candidate, or would it not make much difference in your vote decision? Split Sample
60%40%20%0%20%40%60%80%
64%
65%
62%
61%
57%
34%
11%
15%
18%
25%
29%
46%
Total More Likely Total Less Likely Difference
+53%
+50%
+44%
+36%
+28%
-12%
A candidate who will work to expand transportation options and provide more
alternatives to driving, like light rail buses, and more opportunities to walk and bike
A candidate who supports state laws requiring utilities to use more clean energy and increase
their energy efficiency
A candidate who wants to stop taxpayer support for oil and gas companies
A candidate who wants to reduce government red tape so that there can be more oil and gas
development in your state
A candidate who wants to keep energy prices low, regardless of where the energy comes from
A candidate who wants to stop taxpayer support for solar and wind energy companies
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