For Release: March 20, 2008
Contact: David Almasi at (202) 543-4110 or
dalmasi@nationalcenter.org
Americans Cool to Global Warming Action, New Poll Finds
Nearly Half Wouldn't Be Willing to Pay Even a Penny More for Gasoline; Opposition to Taxes Especially Strong Among Minorities
Washington, D.C.:
Forty-eight percent of Americans are unwilling to spend even a penny more in gasoline taxes to help reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new nationwide survey released today by the National Center for Public Policy Research.
The poll found just 18% of Americans are willing to pay 50 cents or more in additional taxes per gallon of gas to reduce greenhouse emissions. U.S. Representative John Dingell (D-MI), chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, has called for a 50 cent per gallon increase in the gas tax.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for 33% of the U.S.'s man-made carbon dioxide emissions. Over 60% of these emissions - or about 20% of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions - result from burning gasoline in personal automobiles.
"With one-fifth of all U.S. CO2 emissions coming from light trucks and cars, any serious effort to significantly reduce U.S. emissions would have to encourage fuel conservation in personal automobiles," said David A. Ridenour, vice president of the National Center for Public Policy Research.
"But almost half of all Americans oppose spending more for gasoline, despite polls indicating wide public concern over global warming. These results suggest Americans' concern may not be as deep as we've been led to believe."
Opposition to increased gasoline taxes was especially strong among minorities, with 53% of African-Americans indicating they are unwilling to pay higher gas taxes in any amount. Eighty-four percent of blacks and 78% of Hispanics opposed paying an additional 50 cents or more for their gasoline.
Americans Cool to Global Warming Action, New Poll Finds
As usual.........the k00ks are big on theory, hopes and dreams, but never want you top know about the public apathy related to spending $$ to combat "man-made" climate change.
More Oooooooooooooooooooops for the k00ks!!!!!!!
Only One in Four Americans Are Anxious About the Environment
Most favor moderate approach to environmental protection
by Riley E. Dunlap and Lydia SaadPage: 12 GALLUP NEWS SERVICE
PRINCETON, NJ -- Sunday, April 22 marks the 31st anniversary of the first Earth Day, and organizers of this year's activities in the United States are calling for April 19 to be a "car-free day." However, according to Gallup's recent annual update of environmental attitudes, it would be difficult to mobilize Americans around such a boycott of fossil-fuel consumption. The poll shows that most Americans are sympathetic toward the environmental movement, but lack the ominous view about environmental conditions that might be needed to spur major action.
A variety of results from Gallup's Earth Day poll, conducted March 5-7 with 1,060 national adults,
suggest that only a quarter or so of Americans are highly troubled about environmental conditions. About half that number could be described as complacent, while the remaining majority is concerned about the environment, but only moderately so.
Only One in Four Americans Are Anxious About the Environment





