August 6, 2021
Phoenix, Arizona (August 6, 2021) – Arizona voters support President Joe Biden’s proposed Clean Electricity Standard along with other key climate and clean energy provisions in the American Jobs Plan, according to a poll of likely Arizona voters that was released today by polling firm Data for Progress and Western Resource Advocates.
The American Jobs Plan’s Clean Electricity Standard would put the United States on a path to achieving a clean and reliable electricity system by 2035. Voters in Arizona support this proposal by a 44-point margin, including Democrats by an 89-point margin, Independents by a 41-point margin, and more than two-fifths of Republicans.
“A federal Clean Electricity Standard would help Arizona make important progress to reduce the unhealthy greenhouse gas pollution that causes climate change,” said Maria Nájera, Western Resource Advocates’ government affairs director. “This poll shows Arizona voters want federal and state action to help reduce fossil-fuel use for electricity generation. Arizonans are already seeing the impacts of climate change, from record heat to intense wildfires and prolonged drought, and they want their lawmakers to take strong, timely action now.”
“Our polling shows that Arizona voters recognize the importance of investing in clean energy to protect the state from the impacts of climate change, and that they support bold federal action to ensure that our electricity supply is 100% clean,” said Danielle Deiseroth, Senior Climate Analyst at Data for Progress. “With strong voter support for the federal clean electricity standard and other clean energy provisions in the American Jobs Plan, Arizona legislators should feel highly confident pushing for bold climate action as part of Congress’ infrastructure package.”
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) in May approved an Energy Rules update that would require the state’s electric utilities to reduce carbon emissions 50% by 2032 and 100% by 2070. But the 2070 date for reaching carbon-free electricity falls far short of what scientists say is needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. A more urgent timeline for reducing the harmful fossil fuel emissions that cause climate change also is supported by the state’s major utilities and business community.
The new poll of likely voters in both rural and urban Arizona found they also support other federal clean energy investments proposed in the Americans Jobs Plan:
- 67% of voters support investments to create new good-paying, union jobs to manufacture the technologies of the future, like wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
- 68% of voters support funding to give consumers rebates and other incentives to purchase items such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and home appliances that are more efficient and create less pollution.
- 64% of voters believe the government should make investments to create millions of new good-paying clean energy jobs across the country.
Read the full poll and methodology here.
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Data for Progress is a progressive think tank and polling firm, which arms movements with data-driven tools to fight for a more equitable future. DFP provides polling, data-based messaging, and policy generation for the progressive movement, and advises campaigns and candidates with the tools they need to win. DFP polling is regularly cited by The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSNBC, CBS News, and hundreds of other trusted news organizations. Learn more at dataforprogress.org or follow DFP on Twitter at @dataprogress.
Western Resource Advocates provides on the ground solutions to climate change. WRA works with policymakers and other advocates to advance clean energy; protect air, land, water, and wildlife; and sustain the lives and livelihoods of the West. For more information, visit: www.westernresourceadvocates.org and follow us on Twitter @wradv and #ProtectTheWest.
