State Polls Show Voters Opposed to Federal Cap-and-Trade System

NFIB Releases 16 State Surveys Assessing Voter Concerns on Impact Cap-and-Trade System Would Have on Jobs, Energy Prices and Economic Growth

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the heels of two national surveys showing small business owner and voter opposition to a cap-and-trade program, the National Federation of Independent Business today released 16 state-based surveys further highlighting the political unpopularity and economic uncertainty behind the proposed program. The research was designed to question state and national participants regarding economic, employment and other political concerns pertaining to Congressional action on energy and environmental policies.

"Voters have spoken across the country and their concerns are clearly based on the burdensome economic problems that hit them at home—high unemployment, slow economic growth, and rising energy prices," said Dan Danner, NFIB's president and CEO. "The time is not right—either politically or economically—for a federal cap-and-trade program that will cause more harm than good to the voters who need the most help, and are the most impacted."

Voters were polled in 16 states, which included areas such as Florida and Michigan, where unemployment rates are in the double digits. With respect to the potential impact of a federal cap-and-trade system, voters in the states believed that cap-and-trade would actually result in the loss of jobs. The cost of energy was another concern, with state voters believing cap-and-trade will raise energy prices. Finally, more voters in each state stated they would be less likely than more likely to support a candidate who favored a federal cap-and-trade system.

Key findings among national small business owners and managers include:

• 66 percent of small business owners and managers oppose a federal cap-and-trade system while 24 percent are in favor of such a system. (10 percent Dk/Na)
• 54 percent of small business owners and managers believe a federal cap-and-trade system would lead to more job losses while 15 percent believe it would have no effect and 17 percent believe it would create jobs. (14 percent Dk/Na)
• 71 percent of small business owners and managers believe a federal cap-and-trade system would increase energy costs while 14 percent say it would have no effect and only 5 percent believe it would lower costs. (10 percent Dk/Na)
• 58 percent of small business owners and managers believe a federal cap-and-trade system will limit economic growth while 14 percent say it will have no effect and 14 percent believe it will increase growth. (14 percent Dk/Na)

Key highlights among voters nationally include:

• 52 percent of voters oppose a federal cap-and-trade system while 37 percent are in favor of such a system. (10 percent Dk/Na)
• 42 percent of voters believe a federal cap-and-trade system would lead to more job losses while 22 percent believe it would have no effect and 25 percent believe it would create jobs. (12 percent Dk/Na)
• 57 percent of voters believe a federal cap-and-trade system would increase energy costs while 16 percent say it would have no effect and only 15 percent believe it would lower costs. (12 percent Dk/Na)
• 46 percent of voters believe a federal cap-and-trade system will limit economic growth while 21 percent say it will have no effect and 23 percent believe it will increase growth. (11 percent Dk/Na)

"The results of these polls show that there is little domestic support for a U.S. cap-and-trade system in view of the economic impact and the additional costs that would be required by businesses, consumers and households. With a vast majority of small businesses and voters stating the economy is the number one issue, it appears we simply cannot afford, and should not seek to implement, such a risky, unpopular system that shows no potential for positive economic results. As small business owners and voters clearly believe, according to these surveys, cap-and-trade would more likely result in significant economic harm, higher energy prices and more lost jobs," continued Danner.

The 750-person national small business survey was conducted by Mason Dixon Polling and Research from December 11-16. Questions were similar to a 1,000-person voter opinion survey conducted by MBE Enterprises between November 23 and December 1. For more information on the individual state surveys, please contact Michael Diegel at 202-314-2004, [email protected]. www.nfib.com/newsroom.  

About NFIB

NFIB is the nation's leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system.  

NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

SOURCE National Federation of Independent Business