Majority of Americans support clean energy, according to survey
May 16, 2012Energy a popular issue in U.S. politics
Alternative energy has become a staunchly political issue in the U.S. Given that 2012 is an election year, the issue of clean energy and sustainability has become a focus for many politicians throughout the country. Some of these politicians are making claims concerning where American support lies in terms of energy. A new survey from the Civil Society Institute (CSI), a non-profit organization that aims to promote democracy, shows that American support may be being misrepresented in the world of politics.
Survey shows that Americans support alternative energy
According to some politicians, the American public supports traditional forms of energy, such as coal and oil, and somewhat controversial forms of energy, such a nuclear power and natural gas. The CSI survey shows that 76% of Americans actually support clean energy, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen fuel. The survey suggests that these Americans are eager to see the country adopt a more favorable stance toward alternative energy and make cuts in its ties to fossil-fuels. According to the CSI, the majority of Americans want to see the government establish a national initiative that aims to boost the use of alternative energy and encourage efficiency.
CSI suggests that Americans unsatisfied with Congress’ stance on energy
The survey also indicates that Americans are keenly aware of the actions of politicians and how they may be affecting the issue of alternative energy. According to the survey, 82% of Americans believe that Congress is not devoting sufficient time, effort, or money to promoting alternative energy. As such, the need for a more localized political movement is being considered as viable for the economic well being of individual states and the country as a whole.
Growing popularity of alternative energy makes it attractive for politicians
Politicians have begun to focus intently on alternative energy, due in part to its growing popularity. The CSI believes that the issue is often over-politicized, which may be due to the fact that 2012 is an election year. Elections spur a time of heightened politics, which can sometimes cause turbulence for issues like alternative energy.