New Poll of Small Business Owners Reveals Strong Bipartisan Support for Clean, Safe Energy, Including Measures in Obama's Climate Plans
A national, scientific poll shows that small business owners across party lines, support safer, cleaner, more efficient and renewable energy. The poll, which asked a range of energy and environment questions, including some in President Obama’s climate proposals announced this week, was commissioned by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), a business policy group representing 165,000 U.S. businesses.
Richard Eidlin, Director of Public Policy for ASBC said, “Large majorities of small business owners want the country to develop energy that is clean and renewable. Whether Republican, Democratic or Independent, they want the government to promote energy efficiency and clean technologies and they don't want our tax dollars to continue subsidizing coal, oil and gas.”
The poll, conducted by Lake Research, gauged opinions on several policy issues currently under consideration in states and in Washington, DC. Of the business owners surveyed, 47% were Republicans, 27% Democrats and 14% Independents.
Key findings from the survey are:
- 79% of small business owners support increasing energy efficiency by 50% over next ten years.
- 72% of small business owners think incentives for clean energy are a priority.
- 63% of small business owners support EPA efforts to limit carbon dioxide emissions of power plants.
- 62% of small business owners oppose continuing subsidies to oil, gas and coal companies.
- 63% of small business owners support a national renewable energy standard.
- 57% of small business owners want banks and other investors to include environmental benefits in business investment decisions.
- 80% of small business owners support requiring disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Confirming the poll results, Susan Labandibar, President of TechNetworks of Boston said, “Reducing the use of fossil fuels would benefit all businesses, but especially small businesses that are most affected by damage from severe weather. It makes sense that opinion polls would show that small businesses owners want the government to set and enforce standards for safer, cleaner energy sources. They understand that reducing fossil fuel pollution and boosting clean energy will help small businesses and assure economic stability over the long term.”
Another business owner echoing the opinions contained in the poll is Mitch Rofsky, President of Better World Club, a national auto club with roadside assistance and insurance services. Rofsky said, “Even businesses that don’t put as much emphasis on environmental sustainability as we do, understand that the marketplace is essential but not perfect. The most obvious imperfection is that the marketplace doesn't stop polluters. So steps must be taken to assure more truly efficient – and thus, renewable – energy production as well as conservation. These will deliver the most long-term economic benefits.”
ASBC is collecting signatures of small business owners in support of the climate declaration, launched recently by BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy) and signed by 150 larger companies, including General Motors Co., Unilever, IKEA, Stonyfield Farm and more than 100 ski areas. The declaration calls on U.S. policymakers to capture the economic opportunities of addressing climate change. It can be found here: asbcouncil.org/campaigns/sign-climate-change-declaration-today.
To view the full survey results, visit: bit.ly/ASBCEnergyEnvironmentPollReport.
Poll results represent findings from a scientific national phone survey of owners of small businesses (with 2 to 99 employees), commissioned by the American Sustainable Business Council and conducted by Lake Research Partners. It was conducted between March 14-25, 2013 and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%.
The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 165,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org
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