A new Public Policy Institute of California poll finds a strong majority of Californians support the state’s laws to combat global warming. But as Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, that support drops amid concerns about rising gas and electricity prices.
Beginning next year oil companies must produce lower emission transportation fuels or buy emission credits through the state’s cap and trade program. While 76-percent of Californians support the law, support declines to 39 percent if gas prices rise. The law that requires a third of California’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2020 garners 76-percent support as well, but if electricity prices rise, the support drops to 46-percent. Still PPIC President Mark Baldassare says overall, most Californians believe global warming is a threat.
Baldassare: “Despite whatever partisan divide there is on this issue, despite whatever economic concerns, Californians feel that global warming is a serious issue and it’s an issue that needs to be dealt with.”
The poll also found that many Californians are unaware of the state’s cap and trade program, which sets limits on carbon dioxide emissions.