PA Voters Consider Energy Affordability a Top Priority

The Importance of Energy Affordability for Pennsylvania Voters

According to a recent survey by the Commonwealth Foundation, energy affordability is a top priority for Pennsylvania voters as they prepare for the upcoming November elections. The survey included 800 registered voters and found that over four out of five respondents (81%) expressed concerns about the future availability of affordable energy in the U.S. This concern was echoed by 79% of respondents considering the situation within the Commonwealth.

Increased Household Energy Bills and Environmental Efforts

As the Biden administration makes strides in reducing inflation and creating jobs, residents of the Keystone State remain concerned about their household energy needs. The survey revealed that 80% of respondents have seen an increase in their energy bills over the past two years. Many participants reported taking measures to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use (64%), using reusable shopping bags (58%), and lowering the heating thermostat during the winter (54%). However, only 13% reported opting for walking or biking instead of driving a gas-powered vehicle and only 10% opted for public transportation over driving.

Presidential Candidates and Energy Affordability

When asked which presidential candidate would be more effective in making energy more affordable for Americans, 37% of respondents selected former President Donald Trump, while current President Joe Biden received 34% of votes. Interestingly, 15% of those surveyed said they lacked enough information to make a choice.

Perceptions of State Direction and Energy Concerns

The poll further indicated that a little over one-third (34%) of respondents believe Pennsylvania is heading in the right direction, while almost half (48%) felt that the state is on the wrong track. Rising energy costs were identified as the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania by almost two thirds (63%) of respondents. A little over one-fourth of respondents (26%) were concerned about the reliability and modernization of the energy grid to prevent blackouts.

Opinions on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

The survey also asked about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in the participating states. The initiative was deemed unconstitutional and labeled as an “illegal tax” by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, which led to the blocking of the state’s participation. Despite this, Governor Josh Shapiro plans to appeal the ruling. Only 22% of respondents supported participation in RGGI, while 54% opposed it.

The Clean Power PA Coalition Response

The Clean Power PA Coalition responded to these findings by commenting that RGGI is the best and only alternative to creating energy jobs, addressing climate change, and ensuring reliable, affordable power for consumers in the long term. They also expressed willingness to work with the governor and other groups to explore the governor’s PACER (Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction) alternative to RGGI.

Support for Renewable Energy

According to the survey, 27% of respondents would support a law requiring Pennsylvania electricity suppliers to increase the use of alternative energy from 8% to 30% by 2030, even if this leads to higher energy costs for consumers. Meanwhile, tax breaks promoting the installation of renewable energy (i.e., solar) or promoting the purchase of electric vehicles were supported by 72% and 53% of respondents, respectively.

About The Survey

The Pennsylvania Statewide Survey was conducted from February 28 to March 6 and interviewed 800 registered voters. The survey has a credibility interval of +/- 3.9%.