Green Economy

As the Orange County high-tech industry is leveling off and green jobs are entering the mainstream, residents believe strongly that the green jobs market, including jobs in areas such as  solar power, energy conservation, renewable materials and electric vehicles, will grow to employ thousands of workers in Orange County (20% “Very likely,” 48% “Somewhat likely,” and 33% “Not very likely”).  Respondents across all income categories are optimistic about the potential for growth in the green jobs sector, however those viewing this eventuality as most probable (80% “Very” or “Somewhat likely”) earn less than $40,000 per year.
 
Over three-fourths of respondents believe that it is “Very important” (47%) or “Somewhat important” (32%) for local government to actively promote green jobs and a green economy in Orange County. Significantly more 18 to 34-year-olds (62%) view active local government promotion of the green sector as “very important” than among those 35 to 54 (49%) and among older respondents (42%). Proportionally more Democrats (64%) than Decline to State and other voters (49%) and Republicans (29%) view active local government promotion as “Very important.”