Americans prefer carbon regulation over market measures: survey
07 Feb 2013 01:18 PM
WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters Point Carbon) - Sixty-four percent of
Americans prefer direct regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from
stationary sources and vehicles over implementing a carbon tax or
cap-and-trade system, a new poll by Duke University showed.
The nationwide survey conducted last month by the university's Nicholas
Institute of Environmental Studies found that while the majority of
Americans believe that climate change is occurring, they don't think
market mechanisms are the best way to reduce emissions.
"Support rises when asked about more familiar concepts of regulation,
such as performance standards, but respondents appear to have little or
no knowledge about the possible use of a cap-and-trade system to address
climate change," said Sarah Adair co-author and associate in research at
the institute.
The show of public support for direct regulation of carbon emissions may
be a boost for the White House as it moves to carry out President Barack
Obama's inaugural pledge to combat climate change.
Climate analysts guess that the EPA could soon announce a move to use
its authority under the federal Clean Air Act to regulate heat-trapping
greenhouse gases.
By April the agency is expected to complete carbon emission standards
for building new power plants that would effectively prevent any new
coal-fired facilities from being built.
Next would come a more controversial effort, setting standards for
existing coal-fired plants, which account for 40 percent of U.S.
greenhouse gases. The measure is sure to provoke industry lawsuits.
A more comprehensive plan to put a price on greenhouse gases fell flat
in Congress through a cap-and-trade system in 2010.
The survey showed that public acceptance of climate change as a major
issue has rebounded to its highest level since 2006, with 50 percent of
respondents believing it is happening.
"Whether in response to extreme weather events like mega-storm Sandy or
the improved economy, public opinion has clearly rebounded from its low
point of a couple years ago," said Frederick Mayer, associate professor
of public policy and political science.
Only 29 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat supported a carbon
tax. Just 34 percent favored paying a carbon tax in return for a $500
tax rebate.
On cap-and-trade, the survey showed that many Americans have no opinion
about the emissions trading market with 36 "neither for nor against."
Although Democrats and Republicans polled were split when asked about
the severity of the climate change problem, it showed that "the
preference for a regulatory or clean energy approach is shared across
party lines."
By Valerie Volcovici -- [email protected]
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