Both Grist and AWEA cover the recent Michigan ballot initiative to raise the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 25%.  It was a promising, important measure…and despite seeing similar renewable energy ballot measures pass in Colorado, Missouri, and Washington, this one failed.  The question is, why? » Read the rest of this entry «

It’s no news that renewable energy polls high.  Poll after poll shows that when asked, people support renewable energy, and support policies that increase their use.

But how much?  The bi-partisan polling team of Lori Weigel (Public Opinions Strategies) and David Metz (FM3) asked voters in five western states an open-ended question:

“If it were up to you, what % of (STATE)’S electricity needs would come from renewable sources like wind and solar power?”

The answer? 65.1 % was the mean.

Study is here (pdf), see question 41, page 35.

People want renewables, and not just a little.  A lot.