Massive U.S. Support for Renewable Energy

LANSING - Mar 9/06 - SNS -- A survey of registered voters in the United States by the Energy Future Coalition uncovered overwhelming public support for government policies and investments that foster development of renewable energy sources including ethanol, solar power and wind power.

The survey found nearly unanimous support among respondents for a national goal of having 25% of U.S. domestic energy needs met by renewable resources by the year 2025. Roughly 98% of those surveyed said this goal is important for the country, and 74% said it is "very important."

Fully 88% of voters favor financial incentives to encourage the use of more renewable energy. More than 90% said they support minimum government standards for the use of renewable energy by the private sector. Those surveyed rate energy as one of the most important issues facing the U.S., along with health care, terrorism and national security, and education. Taxes and the war in Iraq were considered less important issues by the respondents.

Interestingly, the survey discovered half of Americans believe the United States will face an energy crisis in the future, and 35% believe it is already upon the country.