From the Right
This piece is from a writer rated Lean Right.
The Biden Administration promises a “clean energy revolution.” Such “clean” energy is often associated with Democrats, but how much difference is there between Democratic and Republican voters in terms of their views on the topic?
It is less than one might think. Americans across the political spectrum generally support the advancement of this clean energy, which is often called alternative energy or renewable energy (though there are differences between the terms).
Surveys Show Overlap on Clean Energy
- A survey reported by the Harvard Gazette in 2024 showed that voters across the political spectrum overwhelmingly support distributing revenues from renewable energy projects on federal land to host states and nearby communities. This includes 91% of Democrats, 87% of Republicans, 87% of Independents, and 88% of those identifying as "other."
- The survey further showed that an overwhelming 83% majority believes that renewables on federal lands can significantly contribute to U.S. energy demands. This sentiment is shared across the political spectrum: 93% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, 82% of Independents, and 78% of those identifying as "other" agree that this potential is either "great" or "somewhat" impactful.
- Pew Research provided valuable survey data in a 2024 report that continues to show levels of agreement across party lines.
- 91% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans favor an initiative to plant 1 trillion trees to absorb carbon emissions.
- 93% of Democrats and 77% of Republicans favor sealing methane gas leaks from oil wells as a requirement for oil and gas companies.
- 86% of Democrats and 67% of Republicans support a tax credit for businesses that have developed carbon capture/storage technologies.
- 96% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans say that they have experienced eroding beaches or rising sea levels in their communities either a lot or a little.
- 95% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans mention that they have seen increased wildfires in their area.
- 97% of Democrats and 76 % of Republicans agree that there have been longer periods of excessively hot weather.
- An extensive 2024 survey report by Yale and George Mason’s programs for Climate Change Communications provides more insights on bipartisan agreements:
- 80% support strengthening enforcement of industrial pollution limits in low-income communities and communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by air and water pollution.
- 78% support federal funding to improve energy efficiency in buildings within low-income communities.
- 86% support creating more parks and green spaces in low-income communities and communities of color.
- 73% support increasing federal funding to low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately affected by air and water pollution.
- Regulating carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, as a pollutant is supported by 74% of the population.
- 69% of voters believe corporations and industries should be responsible for regulating carbon emissions.
- 86% of registered voters support providing federal funding to help farmers improve practices that protect and restore soil, increasing carbon absorption and storage. This includes 97% of liberal Democrats, 94% of moderate/conservative Democrats, 81% of liberal/moderate Republicans, and 71% of conservative Republicans.
- A 2023 YouGov poll reports more bipartisan agreement:
- 74% of Americans favor solar power over other sources of renewable energy.
Who’s Right About Clean Energy and Climate Change?
In many ways, both sides are right. Both left and right sources acknowledge that clean energy expansion can cut carbon emissions. accomplishing the primary goal among Democrats. And as Republicans say, renewable energy can reduce costs, a statement supported by the investment bank Lazard.
Although Americans are divided on the values surrounding climate change, both Republicans and Democrats generally agree that renewable energy should be made a priority going forward. All things considered, even in the current environment of extreme partisanship and bitterness toward the “other side,” room for agreement and compromise does exist.
Though there is broad support for clean energy, bipartisan support still has its limits. The Green New Deal advocates for renewables but calls for 100% clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources by 2030. Reactions to this controversial policy proposal are highly partisan. A July 2019 poll found over 85% of Democrats in support, compared with about a quarter of Republicans.
Yet topics like energy are far too complex to just boil down to two positions or priorities. It is much more than just support or opposition to the Green New Deal. Despite the difference on this particular policy, both sides acknowledge various benefits to clean energy.
There is not a single “right” reason to support clean energy. It is possible to prioritize the economy over the climate, or vice versa, but still arrive at the same conclusion to support clean energy.
As time moves on and the debate over clean energy continues, hopefully more and more Americans from all sides will see that they are not so different from one another as they might think. Since there is much agreement about clean energy, it is important that both sides continue talking and searching for common ground solutions.
Max Karlin is a life-long resident of Brooklyn, NY and a recent graduate from State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He is passionate about public policy, politics, and reducing extreme partisanship in American politics. Max has a Lean Right bias.
This piece was reviewed by James Coan of Braver Angels (Center bias). It was edited by AllSides Managing Editor Henry A. Brechter (Center bias).
