Figure 10: Policy Preferences*
“As you may know, global warming is said to be partly caused by the emission of carbon dioxide
from the burning of gasoline, oil, coal, and natural gas in cars, homes, and electric power plants. Do
you favor or oppose each of the following as a way for the federal or state governments to reduce
both carbon dioxide emissions and global warming? How about…
• “Requiring that any newly constructed home, residential, or commercial building meet higher
energy efficiency standards.”*
• “Requiring automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of cars, trucks, and SUVs to 35 miles
per gallon, even if it meant a new car would cost up to $500 more to buy.”
• “Requiring electric utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from wind, solar, or
other renewable energy sources, even if it cost the average household an extra $100 a year.”
• “Agreeing to an international treaty that requires the United States to cut its emissions of
carbon dioxide 90% by the year 2050.”
• “Increasing taxes on gasoline so people either drive less or buy cars that use less gas.”*
• “Increasing taxes on electricity so people use less of it.”