ActiVote
Get the app
← All analysis
October 2, 2023

What do we really think about energy independence?

In August 2023, AllSides and ActiVote collaborated on an Energy Independency Survey with 12 questions, each with 5 possible answers. The poll was processed using ActiVote’s standard polling methodology (details in appendix A). The average sample size was 804 per question, leading to an expected polling error of less than 4%. We invite you to participate in this survey if you have not already.

For each of the questions we have looked at the overall opinion of all survey takers as well as the split by party, especially focused on what Democrats and Republicans think to see whether there is consensus.

The most important conclusion from this survey is that there is overwhelming bipartisan support for nuclear energy: 3 in 4 Democrats and Republicans support expansion of nuclear energy.

There are a two other topics where Democrats and Republicans are somewhat aligned:

  1. a drive towards less dependency on trading partners for any form of energy. Republicans wish to do so faster than Democrats, but both point in the same direction.
  2. Republicans believe that Energy Independence should be achieved more by focusing on producing more than consuming less, while Democrats are approximately evenly divided on the issue.

On most other topics, Democrats and Republicans are on opposite sides of an issue, but the overall opinion of the country may lean one way or the other. In summary:

  • Energy subsidies are generally supported, but different groups have different goals with these subsidies.
  • Offshore Drilling is generally supported, but with caveats.
  • Solar Tax Credits and Wind Energy have more supporters than opponents.
  • Renewable Fuel standards have slightly more supporters than opponents.
  • Federal Land Leases for Fossil Fuel extraction we are evenly split.
  • Coal is a divisive topic with some wishing to restrict it, and others wishing to ease up on the industry. But there is no desire to subsidize it as a struggling industry.
  • A Carbon tax is supported by at most half the population,, even if restricted to specific groups, while the other half is dead set against it.
  • Fracking is not popular with a majority of Americans.

In the next 12 sections we present the summary results per individual question.

Energy Consumption vs Production

The survey (answered by 567 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on the approach to energy independence?” and provided 5 answers:

  • We should focus almost exclusively on producing more energy.
  • We should mostly focus on producing more energy, with some limited focus on reducing energy consumption.
  • We should work on both angles equally.
  • We should mostly focus on energy consumption reduction, with some limited focus on energy production increases.
  • We should focus exclusively on reducing energy consumption.
Energy Consumption vs Production — the headline result
Produce more
21%
Mostly produce more
17%
Focus on both
50%
Mostly consume less
10%
Consume less
2%
 See the details below →

Half the country believes we should focus on both reducing our energy consumption and increasing our energy production. Of those who believe we should do more one than the other, many more (38%) believe we should focus on producing more, than those who believe we should consume less (12%).

Energy Consumption vs Production — the crosstabs
D
10%
13%
56%
17%
R
40%
23%
36%
I
14%
15%
58%
11%
Produce moreMostly produce moreFocus on bothMostly consume lessConsume less
 See the details below →

Republicans are very clear on this issue: a majority of 63% believes we should focus on producing more, while virtually no Republican believes we should instead focus on consuming less. A majority of Democrats believe we should do both, while there are slightly more Democrats who believe we should focus on producing more (23%) than consuming less (20%). Independents are quite similar to Democrats, with a slightly bigger focus on producing more.

Federal Land Leases for Fossil Fuel Extraction

The survey (answered by 506 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land leases for fossil fuel extraction?” and provided 5 answers:

  • The BLM should make available for lease all land parcels for which there is interest in fossil fuel extraction.
  • The BLM should keep the current number of land parcels it leases for fossil fuel extraction.
  • The BLM should reduce the number of land leases available for fossil fuel extraction.
  • The BLM should phase out the leasing of public land parcels for fossil fuel extraction.
  • The BLM should revoke all current leases for fossil fuel extraction.
Federal Land Leases for Fossil Fuel Extraction — the headline result
All land parcels for which there is interest
44%
Current number of land parcels
11%
Reduce the number of land leases
6%
Phase out the leasing of public land parcels
28%
Revoke all current leases
12%
 See the details below →

The country is split on whether we should increase (44%) or decrease (46%) the available land parcels for fossil fuel extraction, with only a small group (11%) believing that the current situation is “just right”.

Federal Land Leases for Fossil Fuel Extraction — the crosstabs
D
22%
9%
41%
20%
R
79%
12%
I
44%
15%
24%
13%
All land parcels for which there is interestCurrent number of land parcelsReduce the number of land leasesPhase out the leasing of public land parcelsRevoke all current leases
 See the details below →

This is a very partisan issue, with Republicans voting 79%-9% for increasing land leases, while Democrats are 70%-22% for decreasing. Independents are evenly split (44%-42%).

Offshore Drilling

The survey (answered by 1112 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your views on offshore drilling?” and provided 5 answers:

  • There should be virtually no restrictions on offshore drilling.
  • Offshore drilling should be allowed, with the understanding that those who cause environmental or other issues, can be held accountable.
  • Offshore drilling should be allowed, except in environmentally sensitive areas, such as near major touristic areas or nature reserves (such as the Arctic).
  • Offshore drilling should be allowed only in low-risk, high reward areas.
  • All offshore drilling should be phased out.
Offshore Drilling — the headline result
Virtually no restrictions
6%
Allowed, but polluters held accountable
43%
Allowed except in sensitive areas
10%
Allowed in low-risk, high reward areas
14%
Phased out completely
27%
 See the details below →

While just over a quarter (27%) of respondents believe offshore drilling should be completely phased out, the remaining three quarters are split on how to handle it: 24% want to allow it in low-risk areas, while almost half (43%) would like to keep polluters accountable. Only a very small group of 6% wants to go ahead without restrictions.

Offshore Drilling — the crosstabs
D
24%
19%
47%
R
13%
69%
11%
I
40%
10%
15%
30%
Virtually no restrictionsAllowed, but polluters held accountableAllowed except in sensitive areasAllowed in low-risk, high reward areasPhased out completely
 See the details below →

There is a significant partisan split on this topic: 66% of Democrats want to only allow it in low-risk areas, or phase it out completely, while 82% of Republicans believe that it should be allowed, either without restrictions, or as long as polluters are held accountable. Independents are about evenly split between these positions..

Fracking

The survey (answered by 849 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on fracking?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Fracking should be banned in the U.S.
  • Fracking should be reduced.
  • Fracking should continue its current operations.
  • Fracking should be increased.
  • Fracking should be allowed everywhere in the U.S.
Fracking — the headline result
Banned
39%
Reduced
15%
Continue as is
13%
Increased
8%
Allowed everywhere
25%
 See the details below →

A small majority of 54% believes that fracking should be reduced or banned, while just 33% believes it should be increased.

Fracking — the crosstabs
D
63%
17%
9%
R
9%
12%
19%
14%
46%
I
39%
17%
16%
23%
BannedReducedContinue as isIncreasedAllowed everywhere
 See the details below →

The partisan split on fracking is significant: 63% of Democrats want it completely banned, while 60% of Republicans want to increase fracking. Independents lean against fracking with 56% wanting it reduced and only 28% want it increased.

Coal Industry

The survey (answered by 757 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion about the coal industry?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • The government should support the coal industry through subsidies such that overall coal production will stay at least at current levels.
  • The government should ease off on environmental regulations of the coal industry to make it easier for coal to compete with other power sources.
  • The government should put environmental policies in place based on what is deemed necessary, irrespective of the effects on specific industries like coal.
  • The government should strengthen environmental regulations, even if that means a continuing decline in coal mining jobs and coal consumption.
  • The government should actively support steps to move us away from coal completely.
Coal Industry — the headline result
Subsidize coal at current levels
7%
Ease off on environmental regulations
35%
Environmental policies as deemed necessary
13%
Strengthen environmental regulations
4%
Move away from coal completely
41%
 See the details below →

The country is split on coal: 45% wish to make life more difficult for the coal industry, while 42% want to make things easier.

Coal Industry — the crosstabs
D
14%
11%
64%
R
13%
65%
15%
I
32%
13%
49%
Subsidize coal at current levelsEase off on environmental regulationsEnvironmental policies as deemed necessaryStrengthen environmental regulationsMove away from coal completely
 See the details below →

Democrats overwhelmingly (72%) wish to reduce or eliminate coal, while Republicans overwhelmingly (78%) wish to lend coal a helping hand. Independents lean more to the Democrats on this issue.

Nuclear Energy

The survey (answered by 1034 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion about nuclear energy?” and provided 5 possible answers:

  • Nuclear energy should be abandoned as fast as possible due to the inherent risks.
  • Nuclear energy should be slowly phased out by decommissioning old plants and not building any new plants.
  • Nuclear energy is one source of electricity which should compete in the electricity market without being specially promoted or discouraged.
  • Nuclear energy should be promoted together with other clean forms of energy (solar, wind, etc.) to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gasses.
  • Nuclear energy should be scaled up as fast as possible.
Nuclear Energy — the headline result
Abandon as fast as possible
4%
Slowly phased out
7%
Neither promote nor discourage
15%
Promote nuclear as a clean energy
46%
Scale as fast as possible
28%
 See the details below →

There is overwhelming support for nuclear energy: over a quarter (28%) of Americans believe it should be scaled up as fast as possible and another 46% believe it should be promoted as a clean energy. Only 11% wish to phase it out.

Nuclear Energy — the crosstabs
D
11%
9%
57%
16%
R
20%
33%
45%
I
9%
18%
47%
23%
Abandon as fast as possibleSlowly phased outNeither promote nor discouragePromote nuclear as a clean energyScale as fast as possible
 See the details below →

Nuclear Energy is the rare topic where Democrats and Republicans are completely aligned: 73% of Democrats look favorable at Nuclear Energy, with only 18% wishing to phase it out. Among Republicans there is 78% support for increasing nuclear power, and very few wishing to get rid of it.

Renewable Fuel Standards

The survey (answered by 579 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on Renewable Fuel Standard waivers?” and provided five possible answers:

  • The RFS should be repealed.
  • More waivers should be granted.
  • The system should remain as is.
  • Fewer waivers should be granted each year.
  • All refineries should adhere to RFS standards.
Renewable Fuel Standards — the headline result
Should be repealed
37%
More waivers should be granted
4%
The system should remain as is
11%
Fewer waivers per year
4%
All refineries should adhere to RFS standards
45%
 See the details below →

Renewable Fuel Standards can count on majority support: 60% wish to keep the current system and/or strengthen adherence to the rules, while 41% wishes to weaken or repeal the system.

Renewable Fuel Standards — the crosstabs
D
21%
9%
63%
R
54%
16%
23%
I
41%
43%
Should be repealedMore waivers should be grantedThe system should remain as isFewer waivers per yearAll refineries should adhere to RFS standards
 See the details below →

There is some partisan divide with Democrats split 66%-24% for strengthening the standards, while Republicans split 59%-25% in favor of weakening the standards. Independents lean slightly in favor of strengthening the rules: 50%-44%.

Carbon Tax

The survey (answered by 714 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on a carbon tax?” and provided 5 answers:

  • A carbon tax should not be implemented.
  • A carbon tax should be implemented, but only for companies among the top 100 greenhouse gas emitters.
  • A carbon tax should be implemented for all fortune 500 companies, and very high income citizens.
  • A carbon tax should be implemented for all high income citizens and all businesses not classified as small businesses.
  • A carbon tax should be implemented for all and revenue from the tax should be redistributed.
Carbon Tax — the headline result
No carbon tax
50%
For top-100 emitters
9%
For fortune-500 and very high income individuals
7%
For high incomes and large businesses
8%
For all, but revenue redistributed
26%
 See the details below →

Half the country does not want to see a carbon tax at all, while about one quarter wishes to see it applied to everyone, but with the revenue from it redistributed. The remaining quarter splits between various selective forms of carbon taxes.

Carbon Tax — the crosstabs
D
24%
9%
13%
45%
R
84%
I
49%
12%
24%
No carbon taxFor top-100 emittersFor fortune-500 and very high income individualsFor high incomes and large businessesFor all, but revenue redistributed
 See the details below →

There is a significant partisan divide: virtually all Republicans (84%) reject a carbon tax for anyone, while only a quarter of Democrats do. Almost half of Democrats (45%) prefer to make it applicable to everyone (with revenue redistribution).

Energy Subsidies

The survey (answered by 748 people) asked: “Which of these statements best reflects your opinion about energy subsidies?” and provided 5 answers:

  • All energy subsidies distort the free market and should, as much as possible, be eliminated.
  • Energy subsidies should help struggling industries, especially coal.
  • Energy subsidies should focus on creating energy independence for our country.
  • Energy subsidies should support developing new sources of energy until they can compete commercially such as nuclear (in the past), wind, solar (recent years) and, for instance, nuclear fusion (for the future).
  • Energy subsidies should, at this time, focus on the environment and climate change and therefore support sources such as wind, solar and other renewables.
Energy Subsidies — the headline result
All energy subsidies should be eliminated
30%
Help struggling industries like coal
2%
Focus on energy independence
18%
Support new sources of energy
12%
Focus on climate change
39%
 See the details below →

A minority of 30% believes that we should have no energy subsidies at all. Of the 69% that support subsidies, more than half (39%) wish to focus on climate change, others on energy independence (18%) and the remainder on supporting new sources of energy (12%). Almost no one wishes to support struggling industries like coal.

Energy Subsidies — the crosstabs
D
12%
11%
14%
63%
R
55%
27%
10%
I
27%
17%
11%
45%
All energy subsidies should be eliminatedHelp struggling industries like coalFocus on energy independenceSupport new sources of energyFocus on climate change
 See the details below →

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Democrats are in favor of energy subsidies that focus on climate change, while Republicans in majority (55%) wish to see no energy subsidies, but if any are provided, a quarter (27%) believes it should be focused on energy independence.

Wind Energy

The survey (answered by 507 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on wind energy?” and provided 5 answers:

  • Wind energy should be stimulated as much as possible.
  • Wind energy should be stimulated somewhat.
  • I am neither specifically for or against wind energy.
  • Other forms of energy should be stimulated more than wind energy.
  • We should minimize the usage of wind energy.
Wind Energy — the headline result
Minimize wind
15%
Stimulate other forms more
18%
Neither for nor against
17%
Stimulate wind somewhat
7%
Stimulate wind
43%
 See the details below →

There is more support (50%) than opposition (33%) against wind energy, with the remaining group neither for nor against.

Wind Energy — the crosstabs
D
13%
9%
66%
R
28%
28%
22%
16%
I
11%
14%
24%
44%
Minimize windStimulate other forms moreNeither for nor againstStimulate wind somewhatStimulate wind
 See the details below →

Democrats are very supportive of wind energy with two-thirds in favor of stimulating wind, with very few strongly against it. A small majority of Republicans are negative about wind energy.

Solar Tax Credits

The survey (answered by 1771 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on solar tax credits?” and provided 5 answers:

  • Solar tax credits should be extended indefinitely.
  • Solar tax credits should be extended through 2032.
  • Solar tax credits should gradually taper off between 2022 and 2032.
  • Solar tax credits should have ended in 2022.
  • Solar tax credits never should have existed.
Solar Tax Credits — the headline result
Extended indefinitely
43%
Extended until 2032
22%
Gradually tapered off
6%
End by 2022
6%
Never existed
23%
 See the details below →

Solar Tax credits are highly popular with 71% supporting them to continue for at least some time. Almost one quarter of Americans believe they should never have existed in the first place.

Solar Tax Credits — the crosstabs
D
60%
27%
R
21%
15%
13%
44%
I
44%
26%
20%
Extended indefinitelyExtended until 2032Gradually tapered offEnd by 2022Never existed
 See the details below →

Democrats overwhelmingly support solar tax credits with 90% believing they should continue for some time longer. A majority of Republicans (57%) believe they should have ended by now.

Energy Trading Partners

The survey (answered by 506 people) asked: “Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on who the US trades energy with?” and provided 5 answers:

  • The US should aim for zero energy imports from any foreign nations.
  • The US should aim for zero energy imports from any nation except Canada and Mexico.
  • The US should balance reduction in energy imports with reducing dependency on fossil fuels overall.
  • The US should focus on reducing dependency on fossil fuels, without increasing dependency on possible hostile nations.
  • The focus on reducing dependency on fossil fuels should be our main priority.
Energy Trading Partners — the headline result
Zero imports
34%
Zero imports outside North America
17%
Balance reductions
32%
Reduce fossil fuels if possible
8%
Reduce fossil as priority
9%
 See the details below →

A slim majority of 51% believes that we should aim for zero imports from outside North America (or zero imports at all). An additional one-third believes that while our dependency on fossil fuels are reduced our dependency on trading partners should also be reduced.

Energy Trading Partners — the crosstabs
D
21%
13%
40%
12%
15%
R
58%
19%
13%
I
26%
21%
41%
Zero importsZero imports outside North AmericaBalance reductionsReduce fossil fuels if possibleReduce fossil as priority
 See the details below →

Republicans in large majority (77%) believe that aiming for zero imports from outside North America is important, while very few believe that reducing fossil fuels as such is a priority. About one-third of Democrats agree with the Republicans and a large minority (40%) believe that we should reduce our dependency in balance with reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Appendix A - Energy Independence Survey Content

Each of the participants was provided with optional background information on each of these policy topics before responding. We encourage you to review the survey in detail if you have questions on what each participant read.

Appendix B - ActiVote Polling Methodology

ActiVote collects survey responses through the ActiVote app, both available on web and smartphone (the vast majority of participants in this survey used the web version).

The survey responses are weighted based on various characteristics to ensure the sample reflects the opinion of the American public at large. Feel free to review ActiVote’s polling methodology.

Within ActiVote surveys, respondents get immediate feedback after choosing an answer. Participants can change their answer after seeing such feedback, allowing them to reconsider their answer, but also possibly influencing their answer and creating a “bandwagon effect” by respondents selecting among the more popular responses.

ActiVote can interpret the results in three possible ways: we can only include the first answer given per question (thus, ignoring any subsequent changing of answers after seeing the feedback), we can always take the last answer (thus, using the changed answer), or eliminate all survey answers that have been changed (thus, only taking survey answers that were “first time right” in the eyes of the survey taker). For this survey there was on average less than 1% difference between using only first time right answers or all answers. We therefore decided to include all answers given.

The number of survey participants ranged from 506 and 1771 for the 12 survey questions with an average of 804, leading to an average expected error of less than 4%.

The Details

Every question in this piece, with its answers as asked, its breakdowns by group and its methodology.

Energy Consumption vs Production

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on the approach to energy independence?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Energy Consumption vs Production · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 567 RV Weighted Produce more Mostly produce more Focus on both Mostly consume less Consume less
National ±4.1% MoE 100% 21% 17% 50% 10% 2%
Region rural 33% 24% 15% 50% 7% 3%
suburban 32% 20% 21% 48% 8% 3%
urban 35% 18% 14% 53% 14% 1%
Age 18-29 16% 19% 18% 49% 10% 4%
30-49 32% 20% 17% 50% 12% 1%
50-64 24% 20% 15% 53% 10% 2%
65+ 28% 22% 17% 49% 7% 4%
Gender F 53% 16% 16% 54% 13% 2%
M 47% 26% 18% 46% 7% 3%
Affiliation D 40% 10% 13% 56% 17% 3%
R 30% 40% 23% 36% 0% 1%
I 28% 14% 15% 58% 11% 3%
Ethnicity White 69% 23% 18% 50% 7% 2%
Black 11% 10% 20% 44% 24% 0%
Latino 13% 19% 12% 54% 10% 4%
Income Low 22% 17% 15% 63% 5% 1%
Middle 42% 20% 18% 49% 11% 2%
High 36% 23% 17% 44% 12% 4%
Education Highschool 33% 21% 15% 53% 9% 2%
Some College 23% 19% 20% 46% 13% 2%
BSC+ 44% 21% 17% 51% 9% 2%
Methodology. Fielded August – September 2023 among 567 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.1%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Federal Land Leases for Fossil Fuel Extraction

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land leases for fossil fuel extraction?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Federal Land Leases for Fossil Fuel Extraction · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 506 RV All land parcels for which there is interest Current number of land parcels Reduce the number of land leases Phase out the leasing of public land parcels Revoke all current leases
National ±4.4% MoE 44% 11% 6% 28% 12%
Affiliation D 22% 7% 9% 41% 20%
R 79% 12% 2% 4% 3%
I 44% 15% 5% 24% 13%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 506 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.4%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Offshore Drilling

Which of these statements best reflects your views on offshore drilling?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Offshore Drilling · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 1,112 RV Virtually no restrictions Allowed, but polluters held accountable Allowed except in sensitive areas Allowed in low-risk, high reward areas Phased out completely
National ±2.9% MoE 6% 43% 10% 14% 27%
Affiliation D 2% 24% 7% 19% 47%
R 13% 69% 11% 5% 1%
I 4% 40% 10% 15% 30%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 1,112 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±2.9%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Fracking

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on fracking?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Fracking · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 849 RV Banned Reduced Continue as is Increased Allowed everywhere
National ±3.4% MoE 39% 15% 13% 8% 25%
Affiliation D 63% 17% 6% 5% 9%
R 9% 12% 19% 14% 46%
I 39% 17% 16% 5% 23%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 849 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±3.4%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Coal Industry

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion about the coal industry?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Coal Industry · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 757 RV Subsidize coal at current levels Ease off on environmental regulations Environmental policies as deemed necessary Strengthen environmental regulations Move away from coal completely
National ±3.6% MoE 7% 35% 13% 4% 41%
Affiliation D 4% 14% 11% 8% 64%
R 13% 65% 15% 1% 6%
I 5% 32% 13% 1% 49%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 757 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±3.6%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Nuclear Energy

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion about nuclear energy?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Nuclear Energy · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 1,034 RV Abandon as fast as possible Slowly phased out Neither promote nor discourage Promote nuclear as a clean energy Scale as fast as possible
National ±3.0% MoE 4% 7% 15% 46% 28%
Affiliation D 7% 11% 9% 57% 16%
R 0% 2% 20% 33% 45%
I 2% 9% 18% 47% 23%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 1,034 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±3.0%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Renewable Fuel Standards

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on Renewable Fuel Standard waivers?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Renewable Fuel Standards · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 579 RV Should be repealed More waivers should be granted The system should remain as is Fewer waivers per year All refineries should adhere to RFS standards
National ±4.1% MoE 37% 4% 11% 4% 45%
Affiliation D 21% 3% 9% 3% 63%
R 54% 5% 16% 2% 23%
I 41% 3% 7% 7% 43%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 579 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.1%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Carbon Tax

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on a carbon tax?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Carbon Tax · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 714 RV No carbon tax For top-100 emitters For fortune-500 and very high income individuals For high incomes and large businesses For all, but revenue redistributed
National ±3.7% MoE 50% 9% 7% 8% 26%
Affiliation D 24% 9% 8% 13% 45%
R 84% 4% 4% 1% 6%
I 49% 12% 7% 9% 24%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 714 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±3.7%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Energy Subsidies

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion about energy subsidies?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Energy Subsidies · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 748 RV All energy subsidies should be eliminated Help struggling industries like coal Focus on energy independence Support new sources of energy Focus on climate change
National ±3.6% MoE 30% 2% 18% 12% 39%
Affiliation D 12% 1% 11% 14% 63%
R 55% 3% 27% 10% 6%
I 27% 1% 17% 11% 45%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 748 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±3.6%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Wind Energy

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on wind energy?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Wind Energy · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 509 RV Weighted Minimize wind Stimulate other forms more Neither for nor against Stimulate wind somewhat Stimulate wind
National ±4.3% MoE 100% 15% 18% 17% 7% 43%
Region rural 33% 21% 18% 19% 10% 32%
suburban 32% 18% 19% 17% 5% 41%
urban 35% 5% 17% 14% 7% 57%
Age 18-29 16% 10% 14% 9% 7% 60%
30-49 32% 18% 14% 16% 8% 43%
50-64 24% 13% 21% 23% 4% 39%
65+ 28% 15% 23% 15% 9% 39%
Gender F 53% 12% 17% 14% 11% 46%
M 47% 17% 20% 19% 3% 41%
Affiliation D 40% 5% 13% 6% 9% 66%
R 30% 28% 28% 22% 6% 16%
I 28% 11% 14% 24% 6% 44%
Ethnicity White 69% 19% 21% 15% 8% 37%
Black 11% 3% 1% 21% 7% 68%
Latino 13% 3% 21% 23% 1% 52%
Income Low 22% 8% 20% 18% 8% 47%
Middle 42% 13% 18% 18% 8% 43%
High 36% 19% 18% 15% 6% 42%
Education Highschool 33% 19% 14% 20% 6% 41%
Some College 23% 6% 20% 16% 8% 49%
BSC+ 44% 16% 20% 14% 8% 42%
Methodology. Fielded August – September 2023 among 509 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.3%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Solar Tax Credits

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on solar tax credits?

We also asked this question once before:

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Solar Tax Credits · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 1,771 RV Extended indefinitely Extended until 2032 Gradually tapered off End by 2022 Never existed
National ±2.3% MoE 43% 22% 6% 6% 23%
Affiliation D 60% 27% 3% 2% 8%
R 21% 15% 7% 13% 44%
I 44% 26% 7% 3% 20%
Methodology. Fielded August 2023 among 1,771 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±2.3%. Values transcribed from the charts as published in October 2023; the surviving survey workbook holds later all-time aggregates that no longer match the published snapshot. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.

Energy Trading Partners

Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on who the US trades energy with?

The full crosstab table

ActiVote · Energy Trading Partners · October 2, 2023
ActiVote 506 RV Weighted Zero imports Zero imports outside North America Balance reductions Reduce fossil fuels if possible Reduce fossil as priority
National ±4.4% MoE 100% 34% 17% 32% 8% 9%
Region rural 33% 42% 21% 24% 6% 8%
suburban 32% 37% 18% 30% 6% 9%
urban 35% 24% 11% 41% 13% 12%
Age 18-29 16% 20% 14% 39% 12% 15%
30-49 32% 33% 13% 34% 11% 10%
50-64 24% 43% 8% 31% 9% 9%
65+ 28% 35% 31% 26% 2% 7%
Gender F 53% 31% 18% 33% 12% 6%
M 47% 37% 16% 30% 4% 13%
Affiliation D 40% 21% 13% 40% 12% 15%
R 30% 58% 19% 13% 4% 7%
I 28% 26% 21% 41% 7% 5%
Ethnicity White 69% 37% 20% 29% 7% 7%
Black 11% 5% 14% 49% 12% 20%
Latino 13% 55% 9% 19% 5% 11%
Income Low 22% 27% 24% 33% 9% 7%
Middle 42% 36% 15% 34% 7% 8%
High 36% 36% 15% 29% 8% 12%
Education Highschool 33% 38% 5% 30% 14% 13%
Some College 23% 30% 27% 28% 4% 11%
BSC+ 44% 33% 20% 35% 6% 5%
Methodology. Fielded August – September 2023 among 506 registered voters nationwide. Responses weighted by Demographics and Spectrum. Average expected error ±4.4%. See Why trust our polls? for the methodology, disclosures and accuracy record.