Voters are backing an “all-of-the-above” energy approach, with voters backing natural gas expansion alongside renewables, nuclear and grid modernization.
A new poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University, conducted in partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers, finds strong support among New Jersey voters for expanding natural gas power generation as part of efforts to lower energy costs.
According to the survey, 76% of respondents said they favor building new natural gas power plants, making it the most widely supported energy option tested.
Support for natural gas development cuts across political lines. The poll found 83% of Republicans and 70% of Democrats back new natural gas plants, indicating relatively little partisan division compared with other energy sources.
The data also shows consistent support across ideological groups. Majorities of conservatives, moderates and liberals all expressed support for new natural gas facilities, with higher backing among conservative and Republican-leaning voters but still majority support among progressive respondents.
Researchers noted that natural gas projects were described in the survey as able to come online more quickly than other types of power generation, a factor that may influence voter support.
The poll results place natural gas ahead of other generation options tested. Renewable energy projects received 67% support, while nuclear power was supported by 56% of respondents.
Overall, the findings indicate that natural gas expansion is the most broadly supported approach among New Jersey voters in the poll, with backing that spans party affiliation and ideology.
Sources:
Binje. (n.d.). Energy survey: Residents favor “all of the above” approach if it means more generation, lower costs. https://binje.com/energy-survey-residents-favor-all-of-the-above-approach-if-it-means-more-generation-lower-costs/
Binje. (n.d.). 10 things about the FDU–IUOE poll on energy.https://binje.com/10-things-about-the-fdu-iuoe-poll-on-energy/
Fairleigh Dickinson University. (n.d.). FDU poll finds voters support anything to bring down prices.https://www.fdu.edu/news/fdu-poll-finds-voters-support-anything-to-bring-down-prices/
