Conservation & Nuclear Power

All alternatives to reduce dependence upon fossil fuels enjoy widespread support (71% to 85% “Favor”). Nuclear energy is the least popular (58%), but it is still favored by a majority of Orange County adults. Forty-three percent say that government is not doing enough to protect the environment, while 37% say that government is doing just enough. Only one-fifth of the sample (20%) says that California is doing more than enough to protect the environment. Most Democrats (58%) and the largest proportion of “Decline to state/others” (44%) think that California is not doing enough to protect the environment. The largest proportion of Republicans (40%), however, believe the state is doing “just enough.”

Residents’ desire to improve the environment is tempered by their concern for jobs and the economy. Forty-three percent agreed with the statement that “stricter environmental laws cost jobs,” which is up from 28% in 2000, and 50% agree with the statement that “stricter environmental laws are worth the cost,” which is down from 62% in 2000. Developing a local economy that is both green and prosperous is one of our greatest policy challenges.