Messages matter when it comes to renewable energy policy
Based on Leah C. Stokes and Chris Warshaw. 2017. “Renewable energy policy design and framing influence public support in the United States.” Nature Energy 2: 17017.
How we talk about renewable energy policy can push US public opinion above or below majority support.
The Policy Problem
In the early 2000s, renewable portfolio standards (RPS) policies were adopted across red and blue states. These laws require a portion of the electricity mix to come from renewable sources by a given date. However, since 2011, there have been attempts to weaken, freeze or repeal these laws. Do repeal efforts reflect state-level public opinion? And under what conditions is there majority support for ambitious policies?
Key Findings and Proposed Solutions
Majorities in most states support renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policies
Messages about air pollution benefits and electricity bill costs, jobs and pollution reductions all significantly shape public support for RPS policies
How RPS legislation is designed and framed can push public opinion above or below majority support