Decline in Support for Green Energy Tax Credits and Renewable Energies Amidst Trump Administration's Climate Policy Reversals

Strategic Insights -

As the Trump administration rolls back regulations related to energy and climate change, a new poll reveals a concerning decline in support for green energy tax credits and renewable energies among Democrats and independents. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a poll of 1,158 adults from June 5-9, which found that U.S. adults' support for tax credits for electric vehicles and solar panels has weakened significantly. The poll also highlights growing cynicism among Democrats and independents regarding the effectiveness of renewable energy initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The poll found that 58% of Democrats favor tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle, down from about 7 in 10 in 2022.
  • Among independents, support declined from 49% in 2022 to 28%.
  • Only one-quarter of Republicans supported tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle in 2022, and that hasn't changed measurably.
  • The decline in favoring solar panel tax credits was across the board, with only about half of U.S. adults now in support.
  • The offshore wind sector has been stunted by Trump's executive order that paused approvals, permits, and loans for wind energy projects.
  • Fewer than half of U.S. adults now say that offshore wind farms should be expanded in the U.S., down from 59% in 2022.
  • Despite a decline in support for expanded renewable energies, the new poll shows that only about one-third of U.S. adults think offshore drilling for oil and natural gas should be expanded in the U.S.

Statistics:

  • 58% of Democrats favor tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle, down from about 7 in 10 in 2022.
  • 28% of independents favor tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle, compared to 49% in 2022.
  • 44% now say that offshore wind farms should be expanded in the U.S., down from 59% in 2022.
  • Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults think offshore drilling for oil and natural gas should be expanded in the U.S.
  • Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults favor expanding coal mining.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll of 1,158 adults conducted from June 5-9.
  • Source citation: The AP-NORC poll.
  • The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.
  • Source citation: The AP.org.