For example, when likely voters were asked by PPIC if California’s efforts to reduce global warming would create or reduce jobs, a resounding 51% said more jobs would come, 19% answered fewer jobs. Democratic voters were major supporters of this notion by a 68% to 7% margin. Meanwhile, Republicans were not as convinced with 25% agreeing that more jobs would be created while 36% disagreed.
More information to voters on the issue could change these results. A California Business Roundtable study makes an effort to define green jobs. The Roundtable says that many green jobs are temporary and that the green sector has not yet created permanent, middle income jobs for a long-term employment. When the Roundtable surveyed the issue of climate change policy projected fuel costs, compliance costs, electricity bills and construction costs associated with the policies, support erodes.
Indeed, a similar message can be found in the PPIC poll. When questioned whether they would support the state’s electricity coming 100% from renewable energy by 2045 as proposed in a legislative bill, the side in favor stood at 67% to 25% opposed. Democrats overwhelming liked the idea 82% to 10% but Republicans showed moderate support with 40% in favor and 53% opposed. It should be noted when all adults were asked the question, Republicans actually supported the idea of 100% renewable energy 47% to 46%.
When likely voters were questioned on whether they would be willing to pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources to help reduce global warming the gap of support closed dramatically. 51% said they were willing to pay more and 45% opposed the idea. The numbers for All Adult Republicans radically changed, too. From 47% to 46% support for renewable energy, all adult Republicans rejected the idea of paying more for electricity to achieve that goal with 21% willing to pay the cost, 76% not willing.
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