Democrats, Republicans Disagree on Effects of Energy Use

by | Nov 29, 2010

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Generational and political gaps exist in connecting personal energy use with living conditions in other countries, according to new U.S. consumer research conducted by EnviroMedia Social Marketing.

According to the national telephone survey of 1,022 Americans, 43 percent disagree and 49 percent agree with the statement, “My personal energy use affects the health and living conditions of people in poor, developing countries.”

The study shows nearly three out of five Republicans (58 percent) disagree with the statement while slightly more than one out of three (37 percent) express responsibility for the effects of personal energy use. This contrasts sharply with Democrats’ views, where 28 percent disagree with the statement and almost two out of three (64 percent) express responsibility.

The new research shows 60 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds believe their personal energy use affects others globally.

When asked “Is coal a renewable energy source?” 25 percent of Americans said yes and another 15 percent said they didn’t know.

The 60 percent of Americans who correctly said coal is not a renewable energy source skewed toward males, household incomes of more than $100,000, and a college education.

The survey also asked Americans, “When you turn on a light switch at home, what fuel is the source of your electricity?” Nearly two-thirds of Americans didn’t name a fuel source like coal, natural gas, or wind, with 45 percent saying the fuel source is “electricity” or “the electric company” and another 19 percent saying they don’t know.

EnviroMedia is reporting the latest from COP16 at http://www.GreenDetectives.net/.

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