US Backs Renewables Less, Fossil Fuels More

Support for renewable energy among both Republicans and Democrats in the United States has declined significantly over the past five years, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Public backing for wind and solar expansion fell from 79% in 2020 to 60% now, while support for expanding oil, coal, and natural gas nearly doubled to 39%. The change is driven primarily by Republicans, whose support for fossil fuels jumped from 35% to 67%, but Democrats have also shown decreased enthusiasm for renewables. Experts attribute these trends to the politicization of climate and energy issues, intensifying since President Biden took office and reinforced by Trump-era energy policies. Notably, 69% of respondents still favor offshore wind projects, despite their targeting by recent federal policies. This shift in public opinion comes as fossil fuel combustion continues to be the main driver of climate change.