How Americans View National, Local and Personal Energy Choices
A majority favor U.S. efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050, but few express strong interest in buying EVs or reducing their own carbon emissions.
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A majority favor U.S. efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050, but few express strong interest in buying EVs or reducing their own carbon emissions.
64% of Americans live within 2 miles of a public electric vehicle charging station, and those who live closest to chargers view EVs more positively.
Just 12% of Republicans and Republican leaners say dealing with climate change should be a top priority for the president and Congress.
A majority of Americans (57%) say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the country, up from 43% who said this in 2020.
As the Earth’s temperature continues to rise, climate change remains a lower priority for some Americans, and a subset of the public rejects that it’s happening at all. To better understand the perspectives of those who see less urgency to address climate change, the Center conducted a series of in-depth interviews designed to provide deeper insight into the motivations and views of those most skeptical about climate change.
Two-thirds of Americans say the United States should prioritize developing renewable energy sources over expanding the production of fossil fuels.
About four-in-ten Americans (38%) say they’re very or somewhat likely to seriously consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next vehicle purchase.
Large shares of Americans support the U.S. taking steps to address global climate change and prioritize renewable energy development in the country. Still, fewer than half are ready to phase out fossil fuels completely and 59% oppose ending the production of gas-powered cars.
While residential solar power generates just a fraction of the country’s overall electricity, it has continued to grow rapidly.
Overall, two-thirds of Americans support providing incentives to increase the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.
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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
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