WASHINGTON, D.C. — Voters across four states show strong support for investments in clean energy and carbon removal technologies, according to a new poll from the National Wildlife Federation and Data for Progress. The poll, which surveyed voters in Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, and Wyoming, found broad support for clean energy technologies, particularly solar power. The poll also revealed that voters hold favorable views of carbon dioxide removal technologies and were optimistic about the climate benefits but had concerns about cost and underground carbon storage.

“Even amidst the diverse energy landscapes of Wyoming, Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado, voters share optimism and support for the clean energy and carbon removal technologies needed to tackle the climate crisis,” said Dr. Simone H. Stewart, senior industrial policy specialist at the National Wildlife Federation. “The polls affirm that voters support the economic and environmental benefits of these technologies but are concerned about the legacy of energy industry pollution and the storage of carbon. As we move toward a clean energy economy, we must work alongside communities to address these concerns and ensure a just transition.”

Other findings from the poll include:

• Voters favor projects that meaningfully engage communities.
• Voters are split over whether the federal government or states should have the authority to regulate underground carbon storage wells, an issue known as primacy.
• Louisiana and Colorado voters agree it is a priority to protect wild spaces while considering project siting.
• Louisiana and Colorado voters support turning captured carbon dioxide into long-lived materials and are more skeptical of permanent underground CO₂ storage.
• Texas voters find arguments centered on energy security and jobs to be the most persuasive messages for supporting carbon removal.

Methodology:

• From July 25 to 26, 2022, Data for Progress and the National Wildlife Federation conducted a survey of 975 likely voters in Wyoming. The margin of error is ±3 percentage points.
• From June 9 to 19, 2023, Data for Progress and the National Wildlife Federation conducted a survey of 590 likely voters in Texas. The margin of error is ±4 percentage points.
• From September 21 to 28, 2023, Data for Progress and the National Wildlife Federation conducted a survey of 492 likely voters in Louisiana. The margin of error is ±4 percentage points.
• From November 9 to 20, 2023, Data for Progress and the National Wildlife Federation conducted a survey of 539 likely voters in Colorado. The margin of error is ±4 percentage points.