Minnesotans Also Favor Supporting Research and Development to Protect Jobs and Enhance the Economy
A new poll published by the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future confirms Minnesotans strongly support clean coal. Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, the poll surveyed 500 likely voters.
Minnesota voters remain strongly supportive of the use of a diverse energy portfolio to produce electricity and are also quick to recognize that research and development is key to the state’s energy future. These sentiments reach across partisan, regional and ideological divides. In total, 76 percent of voters in the state favor using research and development funds to build new coal-based power plants or modify existing plants that would operate with near zero emissions. There is also clear support for constructing pipelines to transport oil and natural gas.
“The poll confirms what those in the industry have known for a long time — the public supports further investment in research and development to create coal-based electricity with near zero emissions,” said Coalition Director Joel Johnson.
Looking toward the future of energy in the state, robust support for the industry is evident:
- 59 percent of Minnesotans support constructing new pipelines to transport oil and natural gas
- 76 percent support research and development projects that could lead to capturing carbon dioxide from coal plants, new near-zero emissions coal power plants and protecting jobs
- 74 percent support a clean energy standard that would include clean coal and nuclear along with wind and solar
- 72 percent believe the United States needs an all of the above energy policy that utilizes all of our natural resources to keep energy prices low and maintain energy security
- 75 percent believe a healthy balance of energy, including coal and renewable energy sources, helps to protect the environment and provide affordable electricity
- 80 percent of Minnesotans say coal helps the manufacturing sector in Minnesota produce goods for you and your family, while providing jobs and hiring opportunities
Finally, voters strongly agree that the coal industry is crucial to keeping the state’s economy strong and vitally important to the region’s energy supply.