Americans Unable to Define the Nation’s Energy Strategy, Want More Emphasis on Clean Energy

Voters are Concerned about Affordability, Reliability, and Sustainability of the Current American Energy Portfolio

CONTACT: Tyler Duvelius – tduvelius@conservativeenergynetwork.org

November 2, 2023 – LANSING, Mich. – The Conservative Energy Network (CEN), a coalition of 24 state-based conservative clean energy organizations, today released the results of its annual national survey. Respondents answered questions about clean energy, climate solutions, market competition, and other related policy issues. The survey results revealed that an overwhelming majority of voters (88%) believe that it is important that the United States produce its own energy and become energy independent.

As Republican candidates for President prepare for the third primary debate, CEN’s survey found Donald Trump leading the field with 47% of primary votes. Other candidates finished in the following order: Ron DeSantis (19%), Nikki Haley (8%), Vivek Ramaswamy (6%), Chris Christie (4%). All other candidates received one percent or less. Seven percent of voters were either undecided or wanted to vote for someone else. The poll also found 63% of Americans believe that the country is going in the wrong direction.

“Our survey results make clear that voters are concerned about America’s energy future and don’t see a clear strategy to achieve American energy independence as the 2024 election draws nearer,” said John Szoka, CEN CEO. “Voters across the country want more of an emphasis on American clean energy – particularly solar energy. Nearly 60% of Independents and a plurality of Republicans want to see an increased emphasis placed on American-made solar energy. Republican candidates for President would be well served to remember this as they take the debate stage next week in Miami.”

Other key findings from the poll include:

62% of voters support cutting regulations and red tape that slow American energy development, including 67% of Republicans and 62% of Independents.
75% of voters agree a modern electric grid would increase electricity reliability in America.
72% of voters believe climate change is real and say that action is needed. This includes 42% of Republicans, 68% of Independents, and 59% of voters who say they support a few more Republicans than Democrats.

The entirety of the poll findings can be found here. To provide additional context to the survey findings, CEN will host a virtual presentation on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM EST with pollster Chris McNulty and John Szoka, CEN CEO. You can register for the webinar here.

Methodology

The Causeway Solutions survey polled registered voters in the United States from October 9 through October 11, 2023. This live dial survey (N=1,011) should yield a margin of error of ±3.0% in 95 out of 100 cases.