C O N F I D E N T I A L A P R I L 2 1 6 L A Z A R D - S P O N S O R E D N A T I O N A L A L T E R N A T I V E E N E R G Y P O L L
Key Takeaways from the 216 Lazard-Sponsored National Alternative Energy Poll Lazard recently sponsored a third national poll of Likely Voters ( LV ) and Opinion Leaders ( OL ) to assess their views on energy issues and policies, the key findings of which are highlighted below: STRONG GENERAL SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY NATURAL GAS/ FRACKING WILLINGNESS TO PAY DIVERSITY OF RESOURCES General support from liberal and moderate voters for Alternative Energy remains very strong, while support from conservative voters has grown to become surprisingly strong The majority of conservative voters (~58% in 216 compared to ~39% in 212) now favor passing legislation that requires America s energy companies to generate a greater proportion of power from Alternative Energy sources over the next several years A growing proportion of voters believe energy should come from clean/alternative sources, with ~71% of Opinion Leaders currently believing that more than 4% of America s energy supply should come from clean/alternative sources by 235. In our 211 poll, ~56% of Opinion Leaders believed that more than 4% of America s energy supply should come from clean/alternative sources by 235 Although natural gas is viewed as an important part of energy policy in the United States, general support for natural gas and fracking has weakened, even among conservatives, likely as a result of increased awareness and campaigns against fracking ~76% of voters support natural gas in 216 compared to ~91% in 212, and ~42% of voters support fracking in 216 compared to ~5% in 212 Liberal and moderate voters believe that natural gas exploration should not increase if such increase requires more fracking, while conservative voters support the expansion of natural gas exploration using fracking Since 212, more voters are willing to fund Alternative Energy production However, the actual monthly amount that voters are willing to pay to support the transition to Alternative Energy remains relatively low (average of $6.5 per month in 216 compared to average of $11.98 per month in 212 among Opinion Leaders) While voters are generally supportive of Alternative Energy sources, biofuels, natural gas and coal are also viewed as favorable Natural gas, solar and wind are considered clean, safe energy sources that have the greatest potential for helping America meet its energy goals Support for expanding biofuels as part of energy production in the United States has grown significantly while support for nuclear energy has decreased since 212 Conservative voters view nuclear energy and coal as favorable energy sources, while liberals and moderates have decidedly negative views on nuclear energy and coal 1 Note: This Lazard-sponsored national Alternative Energy poll was conducted by an independent polling firm that led 1, interviews of Likely Voters and 3 interviews of Opinion Leaders nationwide in March 216. Polling was conducted via online survey (via telephone in 212 and 211) using a list of registered voters. Only likely voters ( Likely Voters ) were allowed to continue with the questionnaire. For the purposes of the poll, Opinion Leaders are defined as college-educated, likely voters who are regular consumers of news, own stock and have an annual income above $6,. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level is +/- 3.1% and +/- 4.1% for 1, interviews of Likely Voters and 3 interviews of Opinion Leaders, respectively.
Current Energy Environment Political Environment Voters are ideologically divided on the two likely presidential candidates, with moderates holding a more favorable opinion of Clinton than Trump. Although voters of different political ideologies are not as deeply divided on energy issues as they have been in the past, the partisan environment continues to be reflected in some opinions regarding energy policy Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Hillary Clinton/Donald Trump? 7% 6 5 4 3 2 1 64% 58% 53% 52% 43% 45% 38% 34% 4% 3% 4% 2% Likely Voters Opinion Leaders Likely Voters Opinion Leaders Overall OPINION LEADERS RESULTS Clinton Trump able Unfavorable Don't Know/Refused Ideology Opinions about Energy Policy Best Solves Issue Liberal Moderate Conservative Eliminate Dependence Invest in Technology Keep Rates/ Prices Low Energy- Efficient Ex pand Alt. Fuels able Opinion of Clinton 45% 85% 51% 12% 24% 46% 4% 51% 66% 7% 32% Unfavorable Opinion of Clinton 52 14 44 86 74 49 57 47 32 28 67 Net -7 +71 +7-74 -5-3 -17 +4 +34 +42-35 Gov. Private able Opinion of Trump 34% 18% 3% 5% 36% 35% 51% 34% 21% 31% 41% Unfavorable Opinion of Trump 64 79 67 49 61 63 48 64 77 67 58 Net -3-61 -37 +1-25 -28 +3-3 -56-36 -17 2
Current Energy Environment Industry Perception A sizable minority does not think this is a good time to invest in America s energy industry, perhaps reflecting the current low price of oil and gas As an investor, would you say it is an excellent, good, fair or poor time to invest in America s energy industry? (a) 6% 4 41% 37% 34% 2 16% 22% 12% 1% 1% 15% 5% 212 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opinion Generally speaking, as things stand in 216, do you 6% think U.S. energy policy is heading in the right direction or is it on the wrong track? 45% 44% 4 48% 49% 2 7% 7% 3 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders. Likely Voters Opinion Leaders Right Direction Wrong Track No Opinion
Current Energy Environment Energy Policy Voters, especially Opinion Leaders, identify Alternative Energy as a top reason why energy policy is either heading in the right direction or is on the wrong track What are the one or two most important reasons why you see U.S. energy policy as heading in the right direction or is on the wrong track? RIGHT DIRECTION Alternative/renewable energy//focusing more on alternative/renewable energy (nonspecific) Solar/wind power//using more solar/wind power Likely Voters Opinion Leaders 16% 24% 14 12 Lower gas prices//gas prices are down 13 13 Less dependence on foreign oil//domestic production increased Good//heard good things//making the right decisions//making investments (general) Natural gas//using more natural sources//relying less on coal 13 19 12 9 5 4 Going green//using more green energy 5 5 Cost//better prices (non-specific) 4 4 Global warming//climate change 4 4 Conservation//conserving more energy 4 2 Fracking//developing fracking 4 2 Current policy//president s promotion//president is talking about it 3 1 Good supply//able to export oil 3 7 Energy efficiency//energy efficient appliances 3 4 Economy 3 4 WRONG TRACK Need to invest more in alternative/renewable energy//little alternatives (non-specific) Not good//not focusing on the right things//not doing enough//not investing (general) Poor leadership//president Obama//politics Too dependent on foreign oil//need more domestic oil Need the pipeline//need Keystone Pipeline Likely Voters Opinion Leaders 18% 2% 14 1 14 13 1 9 9 11 Attacking coal industry//oil industry 8 7 Too expensive//high prices 7 9 Not enough solar/wind energy 6 8 Bad economy//not enough jobs 5 2 Fracking//fracking is bad 5 7 Too much focus on green energy/clean energy 4 3 Global warming//climate change 4 8 Too many regulations//too many EPA regulations Reliance on fossil fuels//overuse of oil//need time to switch from fossil fuels Corporate power//big business influence 4 6 3 6 1-4
Current Energy Environment Import vs. Export Based on what you know, would you say the United States is a net importer or a net exporter of energy? 1% 75 62% 7% 5 5% 51% 25 21% 2% 17% 1% 25% 25% 31% 18% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Net Importer Net Exporter No Opinion 5
Current Energy Environment Energy Policy Consistent with the 212 poll, energy security is identified as one of the most important policy goals; however, the importance has waned in the minds of voters, possibly as a result of increased domestic energy resources and awareness of Alternative Energy In your opinion, which of the following is most important when thinking about energy policy? 212 LIKELY VOTERS 216 LIKELY VOTERS Energy-Efficient Economy 13% Rates/Prices Low 14% Don't Know/Refused 5% Alternative Fuels 1% Eliminate Foreign Dependence 34% New Technology 24% Rates/Prices Low 18% Energy-Efficient Economy 15% Alternative Fuels 2% Eliminate Foreign Dependence 27% New Technology 21% 212 OPINION LEADERS 216 OPINION LEADERS Energy-Efficient Economy 18% Rates/Prices Low 9% Don't Know/Refused 3% Alternative Fuels 13% Eliminate Foreign Dependence 32% New Technology 25% OPINION LEADERS RESULTS BY POLITICAL VIEWS Overall Ideology Rates/Prices Low 15% Energy-Efficient Economy 15% Alternative Fuels 23% Eliminate Foreign Dependence 23% New Technology 24% Party Liberal Moderate Conservative Republican Independent Democrat Eliminate Dependence on Foreign Oil 23% 12% 19% 35% 32% 23% 14% Investing in New Technology 24 22 23 26 23 22 26 Transition toward Energy-Efficient Economy 15 22 16 8 11 18 16 Expanding Use of Alternative Fuels 23 35 25 13 15 2 34 Keeping Energy Rates and Gas Prices Low 15 8 17 17 18 17 1 6
Current Energy Environment Natural Gas Although the majority of voters still believe that natural gas is an important part of America s energy policy, they are not as overwhelmingly in favor of natural gas, as was the case in 212 Which of the following comes closest to your own opinion: Natural gas is a fossil fuel and the United States should be moving away from such sources of energy as soon as possible Natural gas is a safe, reliable and clean source of lowcost energy and should be considered an important part of America s comprehensive energy policy 9% 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8% 82% 66% 59% 26% 23% 15% 15% 16% 1% 5% 3% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Part of Energy Policy Move Away from Fossil Fuel Don't Know/ Refused OPINION LEADERS RESULTS BY VIEWS ON ENERGY POLICY Opinions about Energy Policy Mood of U.S. Energy Policy Overall Eliminate Dependence Invest in Technology Keep Rates/ Prices Low Energy- Efficient Expand Alt. Fuels Right Direction Wrong Track Part of Energy Policy 66% 85% 65% 67% 58% 54% 68% 66% Move Away from Fossil Fuel 23 6 2 28 36 33 24 24 7
Current Energy Environment Natural Gas and Fracking Have you ever heard of shale gas, or the process known as fracking? No 18% Yes, Shale 18% Yes, Both 29% Yes, Fracking 35% What did you see, read or hear about? LIKELY VOTERS Harm Environment (Nonspecific) 12% Heard Something 12 Not Good (General) 12 Causes Earthquakes 1 Pollutes Water 7 Extract Gas from Shale 6 Dangerous/Not Safe 6 Pressure to Extract Gas 5 Other/Don t Know 3 OPINION LEADERS Harm Environment (Nonspecific) 15% Causes Earthquakes 12 Pollutes Water 11 Heard Something 1 Not Good (General) 1 Pressure to Extract Gas 7 Extract Gas from Shale 6 Dangerous/Not Safe 5 Other/Don t Know 24 8
Current Energy Environment Natural Gas and Fracking (cont d) Would you say you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of shale gas, fracturing or fracking? 7% 6 5 4 3 2 1 5% 34% 47% 36% 16% 17% 42% 44% 46% 45% 14% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL able Unfavorable No Opinion 9% Drilling for shale gas, or fracking, is the process of fracturing shale gas thousands of feet in the ground to collect natural gas. This is done by injecting pressurized water and sand to help break up the shale; in addition, the water-sand mixture contains some chemical additives. Based on this description, how comfortable are you with this process? 6% 5 4 3 2 1 52% 49% 47% 44% 4% 7% 1% 5% 49% 45% 1% 6% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Comfortable Uncomfortable No Opinion 9
Current Energy Environment Natural Gas and Fracking (cont d) Overall Within 5 Miles Would you favor or oppose the expansion of natural gas production in the United States if it meant expanding the practice of fracking? within 5 miles of where you live? 7% 6 5 4 3 2 1 51% 38% 38% 11% 52% 47% 46% 45% 35% 14% 13% 9% 212 LV 216 LV 212 LV 216 LV Oppose No Opinion Standard LIKELY VOTERS RESULTS BY POLITICAL IDEOLOGY AND VIEWS ON NATURAL GAS 216 Likely Voters Ideology 212 Likely Voters Ideology 216 OL Overall Liberal Moderate Conservative Liberal Moderate Conservative 38% 26% 32% 55% 28% 5% 66% Oppose 47 62 48 36 64 43 21 Within 5 miles 35 26 22 52 27 35 67 Oppose 52 63 63 35 65 59 24 1
Current Energy Environment Natural Gas and Fracking (cont d) Would you say you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of shale gas, fracturing or fracking? Midwest able: 46% Unfavorable: 38% Northeast West able: 36% Unfavorable: 49% able: 4% Unfavorable: 5% South Atlantic able: 48% Unfavorable: 39% South Central able: 36% Unfavorable: 46% 11
Current Energy Environment Natural Gas and Fracking (cont d) Based on your understanding of fracking for natural gas, do the benefits outweigh the risks of fracking for natural gas or do the risks outweigh the benefits? 7% 6 5 4 41% 45% 47% 43% 3 2 1 14% 1% 12 Which of the following statements comes closest to your opinion? Fracking is an example of new technology that has expanded our ability to produce natural gas cheaper than ever before. As such, what risks that may exist with fracking are outweighed by the potential benefit of the U.S. not needing to use American military power Despite the advances that have come from new technologies such as fracking, America still remains entangled with the conflicts in the Middle East. Advanced technologies such as fracking will not decrease the chances of having to use American military power 7% 6 5 4 3 2 1 32% Likely Voters Opinion Leaders Benefits>Risks Risks>Benefits No Opinion 47% 48% Likely Voters 2% 39% Opinion Leaders 13% Risks that may exist with fracking are outweighed by the potential benefit of the U.S. not needing to use American military power Advanced technologies such as fracking will not decrease the chances of having to use American military power No Opinion
Current Energy Environment Energy Independence Which of the following statements come closest to your opinion? The volatility in the Middle East region of the world requires that the U.S. do more to reduce our dependence on foreign oil 8% 7 6 5 66% 68% Oil being traded on the world market makes it difficult for the U.S. to eliminate the impact resulting from the volatility in the Middle East region of the world 4 3 2 1 22% 12% 24% 8% Likely Voters Opinion Leaders The volatility in the Middle East requires that the U.S. do more to reduce dependence on foreign oil Oil being traded on the world market makes it difficult for the U.S. to eliminate the impact resulting from volatility in the Middle East No Opinion 13
Future Energy Environment Transition to Alternative Energy A growing proportion of Opinion Leaders believe more than 4% of energy should come from clean/alternative sources In your opinion, what percentage of America s energy supply should come from clean, Alternative Energy sources by the year 235? 211 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders 2% - 4% 27% 4% - 6% 29% 4% - 6% 36% 6% - 8% 2% >4% 56% 2% - 4% 19% 6% - 8% 21% >4% 71% < 2% 12% No Opinion 4% > 8% 7% < 2% 8% > 8% 14% 14
Future Energy Environment Transition to Alternative Energy (cont d) Since 212, there has been a significant increase in the number of voters who support a transition to a cleaner, more energyefficient economy. Voters believe that achieving this transition requires a combination of conventional and Alternative Energy sources and the modernization of the electric grid On a scale of 1 to 1, with 1 being not at all important and 1 being extremely important, please tell me how important is it for America to transition towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient economy? 1% Among Likely Voters LIKELY VOTERS REPUBLICAN 8 1 Most Important 6 7 Somewhat Important 1 5 Not Important 212 57% 15% 27% 216 7 21 1 Move +13 +6-17 212 35 17 47 216 55 29 16 Move +2 +12-31 212 6 17 23 75 57% 54% 7% 7% INDEPENDENT 216 69 2 11 Move +9 +3-12 212 77 12 1 5 DEMOCRAT 216 83 14 4 Move +6 +2-6 25 27% 27% 18% 15% 21% 2% 1% 9% CONSERVATIVE 212 35 18 46 216 52 3 18 Move +17 +12-28 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL MODERATE 212 66 17 16 216 76 16 7 Move +1-1 -9 8 1 Most Important 6 7 Somewhat Important 1 5 Not Important LIBERAL 212 85 9 6 216 84 13 3 Move -1 +4-3 15
Future Energy Environment Transition to Alternative Energy (cont d) In order to move to a more energy-efficient economy, do you believe it is possible to rely entirely on Alternative Energy or will it have to be a combination of Alternative Energy and more traditional sources of energy? 1% 75 5 89% 95% 75% 8% 25 18% 17% 7% 4% 4% 7% 3% 1% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Rely Entirely Combo of Alt & Traditional No Opinion Which of the following statements comes closest to your opinion? (a) 1% Currently, America has the modern electric grid and high capacity transmission lines necessary to transition the United States to a renewable energy economy America s electric grid is too old and needs to be modernized in order to transition the country to a renewable energy economy 75 5 25 13% 7% 69% 16% 17% 13% 212 OL 216 OL "America has Modern Electric Grid" "America's Grid is Too Old" Did Not Respond 16 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment Transition to Alternative Energy (cont d) In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge to achieving 8% of our energy supply from clean, Alternative Energy sources by the year 235? (a) Lack of modern transmission lines and infrastructure necessary to store Alternative Energy and connect those sources to America s energy grid The technology doesn t exist yet to create enough Alternative Energy to meet the country s energy needs Refusal by energy companies to invest in developing and expanding their Alternative Energy production Inability to get community approval to build new windmills, transmission towers and pipelines in their backyards The substantial cost of Alternative Energy sources will add to consumers monthly utility bill Government interference including excessive regulations and oversight Community Approval 4% Lack of Infrastructure 11% Substantial Cost 9% Substantial Cost 16% Refusal to Invest 23% 212 Opinion Leaders No Opinion 1% 216 Opinion Leaders Lack of Infrastructure 13% Technology Doesn't Exist 28% Government Interference 15% Community Approval 9% No Opinion 6% Technology Doesn't Exist 2% Refusal to Invest 17% Government Interference 19% 17 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment Transition to Alternative Energy (cont d) Does the U.S. position as a world leader in the production of energy mean to you that the U.S. should also lead the world in the percentage of our energy that comes from clean, Alternative Energy sources? 8% 6 4 2 7% 7% 24% 25% 6% 5% There are several approaches that the U.S. could take to be a leader in expanding the use of Alternative Energy. From the following list of choices, which approach do you favor most: (a) 18 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders. 6% 5 4 3 2 1 14% Likely Voters 41% Yes No No Opinion 17% Opinion Leaders 42% 41% 35% 3% 211 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Having the government set mandatory levels for alternative energy production Allowing businesses to voluntary pursue efforts that rely on American technology to increase alternative energy production 8% Having the government create a market-based framework that provides financial incentives for businesses No Opinion
Future Energy Environment Role of Government Who do you think can best solve America s energy issues: private companies and businesses or the federal government? 7% 6 5 53% 56% 49% 56% 4 3 31% 31% 3% 27% 2 16% 14% 2% 17% 1 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Private Business Government No Opinion In general, should government regulation and oversight of America s electrical generation and transmission companies increase, decrease or remain at current levels? 6% 5 4 3 2 39% 39% 16% 42% 35% 22% 38% 33% 32% 3% 28% 4% 1 7% 1% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Increase Decrease Remain the Same No Opinion 19
Future Energy Environment Role of Government (cont d) Which of the following comes closest to your own opinion? (a) The federal government s energy policies: 7% 6 5 48% 45% 46% 54% have done more harm than good have helped increase clean, Alternative Energy production 4 3 2 1 7% 212 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders More Harm than Good Have Helped No Opinion Recently, President Obama announced a proposal for a $1-per-barrel tax on oil starting next year to go toward investments in clean vehicles, public transit and urban planning. Based on what you know, do you favor or oppose the President s proposal for a $1-per-barrel tax on oil? 6% 5 4 3 2 35% 34% 6% 42% 31% 5% 1 Likely Voters Opinion Leaders Oppose Need More Information 2 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment Role of Government (cont d) Below are a series of policy proposals. For each one, please indicate to what extent you favor or oppose that proposal 216 Opinion Leaders Oppose Taxing the use of carbon-based energy, such as oil, natural gas and coal 41% 5% +9% Providing subsidies to biofuel producers who use American farmland to grow crops like soybeans and corn that are turned into gasoline 38% 54% +16% Passing cap-and-trade legislation in Congress that would implement a tax on energy companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 32% 58% +26% Passing legislation that requires America s energy companies to generate 15% of power from Alternative Energy sources over the next several years 24% 71% +47% Offering grants and tax incentives to help energy companies increase their production of cleaner, Alternative Energy 19% 76% +57% Closing tax loopholes that benefit oil companies 18% 77% +59% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% 21
Future Energy Environment Carbon Tax Would you say you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of taxing the use of carbon-based energy, such as oil, natural gas and coal? Midwest able: 42% Unfavorable: 47% Northeast West able: 51% Unfavorable: 38% able: 46% Unfavorable: 42% South Atlantic able: 47% Unfavorable: 45% South Central able: 44% Unfavorable: 44% 22
Future Energy Environment Legislation that Requires Energy Companies to Generate 15% of Power from Alternative Energy Sources Total Total Oppose LIKELY VOTERS REPUBLICAN INDEPENDENT DEMOCRAT CONSERVATIVE MODERATE LIBERAL 212 6% 35% 216 7 22 Move +1-13 212 39 54 216 6 32 Move +21-22 212 63 34 216 68 24 Move +5-1 212 79 15 216 8 1 Move +1-5 212 39 54 216 58 36 Move +19-18 212 68 28 216 72 17 Move +4-11 212 88 8 216 85 8 Move -3-23
Future Energy Environment Who Pays? While voters indicate that they are willing to fund Alternative Energy production, the actual amounts per month they are willing to pay remains relatively low. The average monthly amount that voters are willing to pay is less than the average amount voters were willing to pay in 212 On a scale of 1 to 1, with 1 being not at all willing and 1 being extremely willing, how willing are you to pay more each month on your utility bills if the money was used to fund Alternative Energy production? 1% 75 5 25 21% 36% 38% 38% 3% 28% 29% 47% 46% 32% 24% 22% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL 8 1 Very Willing 4 7 Somewhat Willing 1 3 Not Willing 216 Amount Willing to Pay: 212 Amount Willing to Pay: Likely Voters Opinion Leaders $5.6 $6.5 $8.98 $11.98 OPINION LEADERS RESULTS BY POLITICAL IDEOLOGY 216 OL Overall 216 Opinion Leaders Ideology 212 Opinion Leaders Ideology Liberal Moderate Conservative Liberal Moderate Conservative Very Willing 32% 49% 35% 17% 52% 41% 5% Somewhat Willing 46 43 49 44 43 4 33 Not Willing 22 7 16 39 4 18 56 24
2 Future Energy Environment Who Pays? (cont d) On a scale of 1 to 1, with 1 being not at all willing and 1 being extremely willing, how willing are you to pay more for products and services that are energy-efficient? 1% 75 5 25 41% 32% 23% 46% 47% 39% 35% 12% 18% 41% 44% 14% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL 8 1 Very Willing 4 7 Somewhat Willing 1 3 Not Willing OPINION LEADERS RESULTS BY POLITICAL IDEOLOGY 216 OL Overall 216 Opinion Leaders Ideology 212 Opinion Leaders Ideology Liberal Moderate Conservative Liberal Moderate Conservative Very Willing 41% 6% 42% 24% 62% 46% 14% Somewhat Willing 44 35 47 51 34 44 6 Not Willing 14 5 11 25 2 6 25 25
Future Energy Environment Who Pays? (cont d) Which is most important to you personally: keeping energy prices low or transitioning to a cleaner, more energy-efficient economy? 1% 75 5 48% 47% 38% 57% 56% 44% 41% 59% 25 5% 5% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Low Energy Prices Energy-Efficient Economy Don't Know/Refused OPINION LEADERS RESULTS BY IDEOLOGY 216 OL Overall 216 Opinion Leaders Ideology 212 Opinion Leaders Ideology Liberal Moderate Conservative Liberal Moderate Conservative Transition to Energy-Efficient Economy 59% 8% 63% 42% 86% 69% 26% Lower Energy Prices 41 2 37 58 11 22 69 Net +18 +6 +26-16 +75 +47-43 26
Future Energy Environment Energy Mix Voters are supportive of expanding the use of both conventional and Alternative Energy sources, with solar, wind, biofuels and natural gas viewed as most favorable OPINION LEADERS LIKELY VOTERS Solar Power 93% 95% Expanding the use of solar power 7% +86% 5% +9% Wind Power 9% 91% Expanding the use of wind power 1% +8% 8% +83% Biofuels (a) 8% Expanding the use of biofuels 2% +6% Natural Gas 76% 75% As a source of energy 24% +52% 25% +5% Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy as one of the ways to provide electricity in the United States 34% 66% +32% 36% 5% +14% Coal (a) 62% As a source of energy 3% +32% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% Oppose Oppose 27 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment 216 Energy Mix OPINION LEADERS % FAVORABLE VIEW OF ENERGY SOURCES BY POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OVERALL LIBERAL MODERATE CONSERVATIVE Natural Gas 76% 58% 74% 91% Solar Power 93 98 97 87 Wind Power 9 94 96 81 Nuclear Energy 62 51 62 69 Biofuels 8 82 84 74 Clean Coal (a) 66 55 63 77 28 (a) Voters were asked if they had a favorable or unfavorable view on Clean Coal in the 216 Alternative Energy poll, as opposed to asking about Coal in the 212 Alternative Energy poll.
Future Energy Environment 212 Energy Mix OPINION LEADERS % FAVORABLE VIEW OF ENERGY SOURCES BY POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OVERALL LIBERAL MODERATE CONSERVATIVE Natural Gas 91% 85% 87% 98% Solar Power 88 99 86 81 Wind Power 79 98 89 57 Nuclear Energy 69 55 68 78 Biofuels 55 61 54 52 Coal 5 23 41 75 29
Future Energy Environment Solar Power Do you favor or oppose expanding the use of solar power? 1% 86% 88% 95% 93% 75 5 25 11% 9% 3% 3% 5% 7% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Oppose Don't Know/Refused Which of the following comes closest to your opinion? (a) Solar technology is an abundant and clean alternative source of energy that should be expanded as an integral part of our energy future Solar technology is too expensive for mass consumer use and is unreliable given its dependence on a clear line of sight to the sun 1% 8 6 4 2 69% 74% 27% 2% 4% 6% 212 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Abundant and Clean Too Expensive No Opinion 3 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment Wind Power Do you favor or oppose expanding the use of wind power? 1% 75 78% 79% 91% 9% 5 25 18% 19% 8% 1% 4% 2% 1% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Oppose Don't Know/Refused Which of the following comes closest to your opinion? (a) Wind power is an abundant natural resource that is clean and low-cost, making it an excellent Alternative Energy source that s critical to America s energy future Wind power is not a good alternative to our reliance on oil because we don t have the infrastructure in place to connect wind farms to the electric grid 1% 8 6 4 2 73% 6% 34% 2% 6% 7% 212 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Excellent Alternative Energy Source Not Good Alternative No Opinion 31 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment Nuclear Energy 1% Do you favor or oppose the use of nuclear energy as one of the ways to provide electricity in the U.S.? 75 61% 5 25 33% 7% 69% 28% 3% 5% 36% 14% 62% 3% 212 LV 212 OL 216 LV 216 OL Oppose Don't Know/Refused 8% 32
Future Energy Environment Biofuels (a) Do you favor or oppose expanding the use of biofuels? 1% 75 8% 55% 5 25 28% 17% 2% 212 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Oppose Don't Know/Refused Which of the following comes closest to your opinion? Biofuels are far too costly and use as much energy to produce as fossil fuels to be considered a useful alternative Biofuels are a great way to use innovative technology to remove the United States from its dependence on fossil fuels 1% 8 6 4 2 44% 39% 38% 4% 17% 212 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Too Costly Great Way No Opinion 22% 33 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.
Future Energy Environment Use of Clean Coal Which of the following statements comes closest to your opinion? (a) Clean coal should be considered an important component of America s energy policy because it is a great way to continue to use an abundant natural resource in an environmentally friendly manner Clean coal doesn t exist. It s impossible to create clean coal power plants because it is a dirty fossil fuel 1% 75 5 43% 43% 41% 41% 25 15% 16% 211 Opinion Leaders 216 Opinion Leaders Clean coal should be considered an important component of America s energy policy because it is a great way to continue to use an abundant natural resource in an environmentally friendly manner Clean coal doesn t exist. It s impossible to create clean coal power plants because it is a dirty fossil fuel No Opinion 34 (a) Only asked to Opinion Leaders.