As the economy dips, so does support among Californians for policies that curb global warming, according to the most recent Public Policy Institute of California survey. While a majority still believe it’s important to reduce greenhouse gases, the survey, Californians and the Environment, indicates that support for AB 32—the 2006 law that requires emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020—has declined seven points since last year.
Many maintain that global warming is a threat to the economy and quality of life in California, but the percentage of people who consider it a “very serious” threat has also dropped seven points, to 47 percent, over the past two years.
For the second year in a row, 51 percent of Californians say “yes” to expanded offshore oil drilling, which would decrease dependency on foreign oil. The support to increase federal funding to develop wind, solar and hydrogen energy technology is a considerable 79 percent.
Results also show a widening partisan gap. “On the environmental issues where we saw more consensus in California, we’re now seeing more partisanship, and that may reflect the national debate,” say Mark Baldassare, president and CEO of PPIC.
Although there is no consensus on how to do so, 76 percent of Californians believe the government should regulate emissions, Democrats and Republicans at 86 and 54 percent, respectively. Two solutions being discussed are a carbon tax and the sale and trade of emissions permits. A significant portion of residents still support stepping up air pollution standards in commercial and industrial activities, diesel engine vehicles and new passenger vehicles. Only a quarter of Californians are satisfied with the current air quality.
The PPIC conducts regular surveys of Californians and is a private operating foundation that researches major economic, social and political issues.
