PPIC Poll Shows Californians Very Concerned About Global Warming and Air Pollution and Want Stronger Action by State Government

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Strength of Public Feeling Likely to Impact Pending Bills, Politics, and AB 32 Implementation by Air Resources Board and Legislation

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California, a respected nonpartisan polling organization, has just released it's 79th statewide survey that should leave no doubt as to where the California public and voters stand on the environment, particularly their strong support for enforcement of the state's laws on greenhouse gases and air pollutants even if these actions have significant costs. The numbers in some cases just about jump off the pages.

There are a lot of details in this 46 page poll. Here are the highlights:

• 66% of Californians say the effects of global warming have already begun and 77% agree there will be effects within their lifetime with 88% saying it will effect future generations. Only 7% say it will have no effect.

• 82% feel global warming is a very serious or somewhat serious threat to the economy and quality of life in California while 15% don't think it will be serious.

• 85% are concerned that global warming will make droughts more severe (60% of them "very concerned"), 86% that it will cause increased air pollution, and 65% that it will cause increased flooding.

• 84% support California law that requires all automakers to further reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from new cars in California beginning in 2009.

• By a margin of 78% to 14%, there is support for AB 32, described as requiring California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by 2020.

• 84% of Californians (85% of likely voters) support increased government spending for renewable energy such as solar, geothermal, and wind power; 78% of Californians and likely voters support increased spending on alternative sources of fuel such as biofuels and ethanol for autos.

• 54% oppose building more nuclear plans, although likely voters are more divided on this (47% opposed and 44% in favor).