Sumer Shaikh, sumer.shaikh@sierraclub.org
Stephanie Steinbrecher, stephanie.steinbrecher@sierraclub.org
VIRGINIA – In a new poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (GQR), Virginians show strong support for generating 100 percent of the state’s electricity using clean, renewable energy.
The poll, released today by the Sierra Club, shows that more than two-thirds of Virginia voters would favor a goal of generating 100 percent of the state’s electricity using clean and renewable sources like solar and wind by 2030. Support comes from across the political spectrum, with 85 percent of self-identified Democrats, 62 percent of independents, and 46 percent of Republicans endorsing this goal.
"We’re seeing exciting progress and leadership on renewable energy at the local and state levels. Virginia’s voters have spoken and said that it’s time for our state to step up and act in our best interest by transitioning away from dirty fossil fuels to 100 percent clean renewable energy," Alice Redhead, Community Outreach Coordinator for Clean Energy at the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, said. "Virginians know that 100 percent clean energy is not only attainable, it’s a smart investment for our future, and we all will reap the benefits for our economy, health, and environment."
“The results of the poll are incredibly promising, showing that Virginians are excited and committed to our clean energy future,” Kate Addleson, Director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, said. “Virginia has the potential and will to lead the region in moving away from dirty, outdated fossil fuel burning power plants to clean energy. Virginians are saying loud and clear that they want 100 percent clean energy and this commitment should be acknowledged and prioritized by our leaders..
61 cities across the country have now committed to transition to 100 percent clean and renewable energy.
Other key findings from the poll include:
A majority of Virginians believe their state can meet a 100 percent clean energy goal by 2030. Fifty-five percent of voters say they believe this goal is realistic. This percentage jumped to 62 percent when survey respondents learned that over 50 cities across the country have already adopted this goal.
Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed say they would have a more favorable impression of an elected official who supports a goal of 100 percent clean energy. Nearly one-in-three voters (31 percent) say they would be “much more favorable” towards such an official.
See the full survey results here.
“State and local leaders across the country should take note: our most recent survey found that at least two-thirds of voters in every state we polled support transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources and a majority would feel more favorable towards a local official if they supported 100% renewable energy,” Elizabeth Sena, partner at Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, said.
GQR conducted the survey among 500 registered voters in Virginia between December 13 and 17, 2017 using live interviewers. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
ABOUT GREENBERG QUINLAN ROSNER RESEARCH:
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner is one of the world's premier opinion research and strategic consulting firms. For over three decades, GQR has used sophisticated polling and opinion research to help leading candidates, parties, government leaders, corporations, and advocacy groups across the United States and around the world.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.