Energy and Environment

Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Swing States Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in six swing states and nationally finds bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency, 
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

TAX CREDITS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES &
CHARGING STATIONS

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities of 73% to 81% in every swing state favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations, as do 79% to 82% nationally. The tax credits for new and used EVs, and charging stations, are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

In the swing states, Republican support for maintaining or increasing these tax credits ranged from 57% to 73% in the swing states, while Democrats’ support ranged from 84% to 94%. 

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 19% to 26% in the swing states, including 27% to 42% of Republicans and 6% to 15% of Democrats, as well as just 17% to 20% nationally. 

At the same time, support for increasing the tax credits ranged from just 28% to 37% in the swing states, and 29% to 37% nationally.

Before respondents were presented the options to increase, maintain or repeal the above tax credits, they evaluated arguments for and against the federal government using tax incentives to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR:

“Clean energy and energy-saving technologies are being adopted and reducing both air pollution and greenhouse gasses, thanks to these tax credits that jump-started their production. Companies and people were not adopting them because they required large upfront costs. But now, the clean energy market is booming and the US is a global leader. We all benefit when these technologies are adopted, and the benefits to society far outweigh the cost. So, it is in all of our interest to continue these tax credits, which move us all more quickly into a future with cleaner air, and less climate change.”

ARGUMENT AGAINST:

“If people or companies think that it is important to adopt these new green technologies, that’s fine. But, we should not all be expected to help them pay for it. We need to remember that the government’s energy-related tax credits are not free. They can cost the government $100 billion a year, which is a lot of lost revenue at a time when we already have a large deficit.”


TAX CREDITS FOR CLEAN ENERGY &
ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities. Presented a list of eight such tax credits and informed that they reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year, bipartisan majorities in every swing state (76% to 91%) favor maintaining or increasing each one, as well as 83% to 89% nationally. In the swing states, Republican support ranges from 70% to 87% and among Democrats 83% to 97%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

In the swing states, just 9% to 24% favor repealing each tax credit, including 13% to 30% of Republicans and 3% to 16% of Democrats. 

At the same time, just 21% to 41% favor increasing them, including 14% to 36% of Republicans and 25% to 53% of Democrats.

Before respondents were presented the options to increase, maintain or repeal the above tax credits, they evaluated arguments for and against the federal government using tax incentives to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
“Clean energy and energy-saving technologies are being adopted and reducing both air pollution and greenhouse gasses, thanks to these tax credits that jump-started their production. Companies and people were not adopting them because they required large upfront costs. But now, the clean energy market is booming and the US is a global leader. We all benefit when these technologies are adopted, and the benefits to society far outweigh the cost. So, it is in all of our interest to continue these tax credits, which move us all more quickly into a future with cleaner air, and less climate change.”

ARGUMENT AGAINST
“If people or companies think that it is important to adopt these new green technologies, that’s fine. But, we should not all be expected to help them pay for it. We need to remember that the government’s energy-related tax credits are not free. They can cost the government $100 billion a year, which is a lot of lost revenue at a time when we already have a large deficit.”

OFFSHORE DRILLING

Large bipartisan majorities oppose increasing offshore drilling for oil and gas. Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling. In the swing states, 69% to 76% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 52% to 63% of Republicans and 79% to 88% of Democrats, as well as 76% nationally.  

Increasing drilling is favored by just 23% to 30% in the swing states, including 36% to 47% of Republicans and 12% to 21% of Democrats, as well as 23% nationally. 

At the same time, decreasing the amount of offshore drilling is favored by just 24% to 30% in the swing states and 29% nationally.

ARGUMENT FOR INCREASING:

"If oil companies drill in these offshore areas they will generate substantial new economic activity and revenues. Building and operating the oil rigs will create jobs along these coasts, diversifying the local economies. The oil company’s payments for leases will produce additional federal revenue that could be used to offset negative environmental effects, and even upgrade the environmental quality of the coastlines."

ARGUMENT FOR MAINTAINING:

"Offshore drilling is important for our energy supply. But it is at some environmental cost. At this point, we already produce enough energy to meet our energy needs given America’s consumption of oil and gas. Should we need more energy in the future, there are other ways to meet those needs that pose less risk to the environment, in addition to creating more unsightly oil platforms."

ARGUMENT FOR DECREASING:

"Continuing to drill off our coasts increases the risk of even more devastating oil spills like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that permanently damage our environment, destroy local economies, and cost billions to clean up. Small oil spills also occur all the time. This pollution undermines the multi‐billion-dollar tourism industry. We can get our energy from safer sources that keep our waters and air clean. It is time to ramp down this high-risk drilling."

FUEL EFFICIENCY MANDATES FOR NEW CARS

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored in every swing state by 66% to 71%, including 55% to 63% of Republicans and 78% to 85% of Democrats, as well as 70% nationally.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR:

“Having higher energy efficiency standards is the quickest and most direct way to reduce carbon dioxide and other pollutants. We can’t rely on businesses to increase short-term costs and make the necessary long-run changes on their own accord. It is fairer because all businesses and consumers bear the costs equally. When everyone is required to meet higher standards, it prevents some companies from getting a free ride on the efforts of environmentally responsible businesses. Furthermore, it’s good for everyone because it prompts businesses to take steps that save consumers and other businesses money in the long run.”

ARGUMENT AGAINST:

“Having the government require businesses to follow strict standards creates expensive and inefficient bureaucracies, and it can restrict consumers’ right to choose what they want to buy. It is better to let the market guide the process. Since there is money to be made in creating more efficient products, which costs consumers less in the long-run, well-run businesses will take these steps on their own, and in the most cost-effective way.”


PRIORITY TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION

Respondents were given a briefing on the health effects of air pollution from burning fossil fuels, and the actions the government has taken to reduce air pollution. They then evaluated arguments for and against the government making it a priority to reduce air pollution from energy production, which has negative health effects. In the swing states, 77% to 83% said it should be a very or somewhat high priority, including 60% to 72% of Republicans and 89% to 97% of Democrats, as well as 85% nationally.

ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT:

“We have a responsibility to try to improve the conditions of thousands of people, especially the elderly and children, who are suffering from the negative health effects of poor air quality. While over the last 50 years there have been reductions in pollution, there are still tens of thousands of deaths every year due to air pollution. And in recent years air pollution has been increasing, as well as the number of days with unhealthy air. Government research has shown that every dollar invested in cleaning up the air produces $30 in benefits from reduced health costs and more productivity.”

ARGUMENT AGAINST:

“There is already a lot of legislation in place that has improved air quality and will keep improving it for the next decade. Air pollution has decreased a lot. Over the last 50 years, there has been nearly a 75% reduction in the most common types of pollution. Meanwhile, government bureaucrats keep moving the goal posts and imposing new regulations. People working in oil and coal industries can lose their jobs and this can hurt local economies. Trying to reduce air pollution further would only produce very minor benefits and it is simply not worth the extra cost.”


PRIORITY TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASSES

Respondents were given a briefing on how burning fossil fuels for energy results in greenhouse gases and how the scientific consensus is that greenhouse gases have been causing climate change. They then evaluated arguments for and against the government making it a priority to reduce greenhouse gasses, including an argument that challenged the scientific consensus and highlighted that reducing greenhouse gases would hurt workers in the fossil fuel industry. The government reducing greenhouse gases was rated as a high priority by 74% to 77% in the swing states, including 57% to 60% Republicans and 90% to 94% of Democrats, as well as 80% nationally.

FIRST ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT:

“The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree greenhouse gasses contribute to climate change and this poses major threats. Already we are seeing hotter and dryer weather contributing to a major increase in wildfires that have created billions of dollars in damage. Sea levels are rising, which will eventually flood coastal areas. Rising temperatures are hurting crops in major farming areas. Without action, government analysts predict these changes will cause the US economy to contract by several percent. Furthermore, taking action will benefit the economy by increasing energy efficiency. Clearly, we should put a high priority on reducing the production of greenhouse gasses.”

FIRST ARGUMENT AGAINST:

“There are scientists who question how much climate change is occurring, how much human energy production contributes to it, and whether the risk is important enough to warrant major action. We should continue to research the issue. But it would be premature to take economically costly steps to change the way we produce energy. US energy costs are relatively low and thus increasing the cost of energy would harm the economy, cost jobs, and undermine Americans’ standards of living. It would also hurt people in some parts of the economy, like the coal industry, much more than others, which would not be fair.”SECOND ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT:

“Over and above the need to reduce greenhouse gasses, there are many good reasons for the US to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency. Cleaner air is important for health, brings down health costs, and improves the quality of life. Clean energy has created hundreds of thousands of jobs—far more than for coal, oil and gas combined. And there is more we can do. Other countries like China are investing twice as much as the US in green energy technologies
and it is important for the US to stay competitive in what’s clearly becoming the main source of energy for the future. The world is moving to cleaner energy and the US should be ahead of the curve, not dragging behind.”SECOND ARGUMENT AGAINST:

“The whole effort to reduce carbon dioxide will result in an expanded role for government. There will be even more government bureaucrats making new rules and telling businesses what they can and cannot do. This can slow the economy, which makes it harder for businesses to work to find innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gasses. If people want to reduce greenhouse gasses, then they can change their own behavior or demand the companies that they buy products from change their ways. The government does not have to be involved in every change that people want to make. Some people just like expanding the role of government even when there are better alternatives.”




“Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Steven Kull, Director of the Program for Public Consultation
Energy and Environment Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Energy and Environment

STATE SURVEY REPORTS

Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Arizona Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Arizona, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Arizona, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 77% in Arizona, including 65% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 74%, including 63% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 78%, including 67% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 21% to 25% among Arizonans, including just 32% to 36% of Republicans and 11% to 15% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all the swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 29% to 33% in Arizona, and 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. Among Arizonans, 75% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 60% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 25% of Arizonans, including 40% of Republicans and 13% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 28% favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Arizona (80% to 86%), including 74% to 83% of Republicans and 85% to 94% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 13% to 19% favor repealing each tax credit, including 16% to 26% of Republicans and 5% to 14% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing these tax credits is favored by just 23% to 41% of Arizonans, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

An Arizona respondent elaborated on their support for the tax credits, writing that “bigger incentives will encourage people to help reduce our carbon footprint and making our world [a] cleaner better place and I just think it seems like a lot but in the long run it will save even more in the grand scheme of things.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 69% in Arizona, including 60% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Arizona survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 610 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata, and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Arizona sample is +/- 4.5%.

Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Georgia Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Georgia, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Georgia, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 75% in Georgia, including 66% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 73%, including 63% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 81%, including 73% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing those EV tax credits ranged from just 19% to 26% in Georgia, including just 27% to 36% of Republicans and 11% to 15% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all the swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 29% to 30% in Georgia, as well as 28% to 37% in the swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Georgia, 69% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 56% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 30% of Georgians, including 43% of Republicans and 21% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 24% of Georgians favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Georgia (80% to 88%), including 75% to 84% of Republicans and 86% to 96% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 12% to 20% of Georgians favor repealing each tax credit, including 16% to 25% of Republicans and 4% to 14% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing these tax credits is favored by just 26% to 36% of Georgians, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Georgia respondent elaborated on their support for the tax credits: “I believe that tax credits will encourage people to get on board in helping with the ongoing problem this country faces in cleaning up the air we breathe to live a healthy life.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 67% of Georgians, including 55% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Georgia survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 617 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Georgia sample is +/- 4.5%.


Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Michigan Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Michigan, and the five other swing states and nationally, finds bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Michigan, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 75% in Michigan, including 62% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 77%, including 64% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 79%, including 66% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats.

The tax credits for new and used EVs, and charging stations, are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 21% to 25% in Michigan, including just 34% to 38% of Republicans and 9% to 11% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all the swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 31% to 37% in Michigan, and also 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Michigan, 76% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 63% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 23% in Michigan, including 36% of Republicans and 12% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 30% of Michiganders favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Michigan (79% to 91%), including 71% to 87% of Republicans and 87% to 96% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 9% to 21% of Michiganders favor repealing each tax credit, including 13% to 29% of Republicans and 4% to 13% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing them is favored by just 25% to 39% of Michiganders, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Michigan respondent elaborated on their support, writing that “we all need incentives to move in a positive direction for the future.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 68% in Michigan, including 57% of Republicans and 82% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Michigan survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 627 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status and home ownership. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Michigan sample is +/- 4.4%.


Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Nevada Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Nevada, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in [state], as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 74% in Nevada, including 61% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 77%, including 65% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 75%, including 60% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 23% to 26% in Nevada, including just 36% to 39% of Republicans and 10% to 15% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all the swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 29% to 35% in Nevada, and 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Nevada, 72% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 60% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 27% of Nevadans, including 39% of Republicans and 18% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 30% of Nevadans favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Nevada (76% to 86%), including 70% to 84% of Republicans and 83% to 91% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are based on those in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 13% to 24% in Nevada favor repealing each tax credit, including 18% to 30% of Republicans and 7% to 16% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing them is favored by just 25% to 40% of Nevadans, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Nevada respondent elaborated on their support for the tax credits, writing “the more tax credits available, the easier it makes it for individuals to be able to afford renewable energy to help reduce emissions and clean the air. The big picture of everyone helping everyone is what is important.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 66% of Nevadans, including 57% of Republicans and 80% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Nevada survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 594 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Nevada sample is +/- 4.6%.


Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Pennsylvania Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Pennsylvania, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 73% in Pennsylvania, including 60% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 78%, including 64% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 79%, including 66% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 21% to 26% in Pennsylvania, including just 33% to 40% of Republicans and 11% to 15% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 28% to 33% in Pennsylvania, and 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Pennsylvania, 69% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 52% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 29% in Pennsylvania, including 47% of Republicans and 17% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 27% of Pennsylvanians favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania (80% to 89%), including 72% to 81% of Republicans and 87% to 95% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 10% to 20% of Pennsylvanians favor repealing each tax credit, including 18% to 28% of Republicans and 4% to 13% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing them is favored by just 24% to 39% of Pennsylvanians, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Pennsylvania respondent elaborated on their support for these tax credits, writing that “the amounts of money that is being paid out to build back after hurricanes, wildfires and other climate related disasters far outpaces the money spent as tax credits.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 70% in Pennsylvania, including 63% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Pennsylvania survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 603 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/- 4.5%.


Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Wisconsin Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Wisconsin, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

  • tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
  • current limits on offshore drilling
  • tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  • mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Wisconsin, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

  • For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 74% in Wisconsin, including 58% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats.
  • For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 76%, including 57% of Republicans and 94% of Democrats.
  • For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 78%, including 64% of Republicans and 92% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 21% to 26% in Wisconsin, including just 35% to 42% of Republicans and 6% to 12% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 28% to 33% in Wisconsin, and 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Wisconsin, 72% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 59% of Republicans and 82% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 28% in Wisconsin, including 40% of Republicans and 18% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 30% in Wisconsin favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Wisconsin (80% to 89%), including 73% to 85% of Republicans and 87% to 97% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 10% to 19% in Wisconsin favor repealing each tax credit, including 14% to 25% of Republicans and 3% to 12% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing them is favored by just 21% to 39% in Wisconsin, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Wisconsin respondent elaborated on their support for the tax credits, writing, “We all suffer the costs of dirty energy. We need to keep incentivizing clean energy solutions.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 71% in Wisconsin, including 57% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Wisconsin survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 597 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is +/- 4.6%.


ABOUT THE SURVEY

The survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 4,647 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, including approximately 600 adults in each state of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and 1,195 nationally. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation.

Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the national sample is +/-3.2%, and for the state samples it ranges from +/-4.4% to 4.6%.

Fielding and Sample Size

The national and state surveys were fielded to 4,647 adults online July 10 - July 19, 2024 by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, with representative non-probability samples obtained from multiple online
panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege.

The national sample is 1,195 adults, with a confidence interval of +/- 3.2% and a response rate of 8.2%.

The state samples are as follows:

  • Arizona: 610
  • Georgia: 617
  • Michigan: 627
  • Nevada: 594
  • Pennsylvania: 603
  • Wisconsin: 597

State samples have confidence intervals that range from +/- 4.4% to 4.6% and response rates of 3.2 to 4.7%.


Pre-Stratification and Weighting

Each sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, household income, metro/non-metro status, marital status and home ownership. National and state benchmarks came from the Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey and 2023 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement.

The national sample weighted by Census region, and partisan affiliation to ensure an equal distribution of Republicans and Democrats, including leaners. Some state samples were weighted by partisan affiliation to match party registration records, when available, or to ensure a roughly equal distribution of Republicans and Democrats, including leaners.

The maximum weights applied were:

  • National: 3.5
  • Arizona: 5.0
  • Georgia: 3.4
  • Michigan: 4.4
  • Nevada: 4.6
  • Pennsylvania: 4.4
  • Wisconsin: 3.6


Sample Collection

Sample collection was managed by QuantifyAI with oversight from PPC. Samples were drawn from multiple large online panels, including Cint, Prodege, and Dynata, whose members are recruited using non-probability sampling methods. The selected sample was invited to participate via email invitation, push notification, or SMS for cell phone users. Respondents were offered cash or cash-equivalent incentives to participate in the survey.


Data Collection and Privacy

Survey responses were collected directly on the Alchemer platform. Only respondents with a provided link could take the survey, using their computer or mobile phone.

Alchemer ensures that data is collected in adherence to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation policies for data privacy and security, as well as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).


Quality Control

Quality control measures in the sample collection process to disqualify duplicate respondents and survey bots included:

  • checking respondents’ IP addresses to determine if there are duplicate respondents
  • employing an “operating system & Web browser check” to determine if there are any cross-panel duplicates
  • using hCaptcha to detect and disqualify survey bots.

Quality control measures within the survey to disqualify dishonest or mischievous respondents, as well as survey bots, included:

  • an attention-check question, e.g. Select the word that does not belong. [Tuesday]; [Friday]; [April]; [Wednesday]
  • an honesty question, e.g. What have you done in the past week? Select all that apply. [Won a gold medal at the Olympics]; [Watched TV]; [Got a license to operate a Class SSGN submarine]; [Read a book]
  • a speed limit, which disqualified respondents who moved through the first quarter of the survey at a pace roughly triple the average reading speed.

Lastly, respondents were removed from the sample who answered less than half the substantive questions, or who engaged in straight-lining.



Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles, Clean Energy and Energy-Efficiency

Tax credits for clean energy production, energy-efficiency improvements, and electric vehicles and charging stations, are part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed in 2022. These credits expire in a decade if not extended.

The Build it in America Act by Rep. Smith (H.R. 3938) would repeal many of these tax credits.

Offshore Drilling

The following bills would reduce offshore drilling by prohibiting any new offshore oil drilling leases, and prohibiting the exploration of any new offshore drilling sites:

The following bills would prevent the reduction of, or cause an increase in offshore drilling by requiring Congressional approval for any prohibitions on leases for offshore drilling:

Raising Car’s Fuel Efficiency Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a regulatory plan to require increasing fuel efficiency for cars and light trucks.




Links to Past Surveys: