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Generating Public Support For State Climate Policy During Trump 2.0
A recent study has shed new light on the factors that influence public support for climate policies at the state level. The research, which analyzed voting patterns in Washington state, reveals that voters are not inherently opposed to climate action, but rather their support is influenced by local benefits and costs.
In 2018, two initiatives related to carbon pricing were put to a vote in Washington state: Initiative 1631 (I-1631) and Initiative 2117 (I-2117). While I-2117 aimed to repeal the state’s Clean Energy Act, I-1631 proposed a new carbon pricing system. The data shows that support for both initiatives increased between 2018 and 2024.
The study found that voters in urban and rural areas alike became more supportive of climate policies over time. In fact, there was no significant difference in the increase of support between the two groups. This suggests that voters are not inherently opposed to climate action based on their location or demographics.
What’s noteworthy is that proponents of carbon pricing shifted their focus from emphasizing future benefits to highlighting existing local benefits. The data indicates that this messaging strategy worked, as it helped increase support among both urban and rural voters.
In contrast, Initiative 2066, which aimed to restrict state and local governments’ ability to regulate natural gas in buildings and homes, received more support than I-2117. This outcome is attributed to the fact that voters did not see any tangible benefits from restricting access to natural gas, unlike in the case of carbon pricing.
So, what can we learn from this study? First and foremost, it’s essential to communicate climate policies in a way that resonates with local communities. By highlighting existing benefits and costs, proponents of climate action can increase public support.
Source: www.forbes.com
