New Survey Shows Florida Voters Strongly Support Advanced Energy As Key to Economic Growth

Over 4 Out of 5 Florida Voters Say It's Important for Political Leaders To Do More To Push Advanced Energy

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly nine in 10 likely voters in Florida say that advanced energy is important for the state and nation's economic future and want policymakers to focus on fostering these solutions, according to a new survey.

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The survey, conducted for the Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEEI), found that 88 percent of Florida voters believe advanced energy – defined as energy products, technologies, and services that are secure, clean, and affordable over the long term – are very important or somewhat important to the nation's future. The survey also found that 80 percent of Floridians believe it's important for political leaders to do more to further advanced energy.

"Floridians understand that advanced energy technologies, products, and services are critical to the state's economic future," said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, a national organization representing advanced energy businesses, and of AEEI, its educational and charitable affiliate. "By saving money, diversifying energy sources, and providing new energy choices, advanced energy companies are creating value for Florida today and will create more in the years to come. Across the nation, Americans see the value of advanced energy as a vital engine to create jobs that fuel our economy."

With global energy consumption projected to rise nearly 40 percent by 2030, the nation's future prosperity depends on new ways to meet the world's energy needs. Advanced energy, which encompasses the best available commercial technologies for meeting energy needs, presents an economic opportunity for American companies and workers, which have led every technology- and innovation-driven transformation of the past century.

Results in Detail:

• 88 percent of Floridians believe advanced energy is very important or somewhat important to America's future.
  • Over half of respondents (57 percent) deemed it very important.
  • Democrats (96 percent); Republicans (80 percent); and Independents (88 percent) all see advanced energy as important.
  • Geographic location (i.e. small city, large city, suburb, rural) in the state of Florida had little to no impact on the voters' view of advanced energy: 60 percent of South Floridians said "very important"; 54 percent in I-4 corridor; and 57 percent in North Florida.
• 86 percent believe it is very or somewhat important for nation's political leaders to do more to further advanced energy in the United States.
  • The majority (51 percent) believes it is very important and an additional 36 percent find it to be somewhat important.
• 83 percent of respondents think it is very important or somewhat important that the next president make growing and developing advanced energy to power America's economy a top priority.
  • Those aged 50-64 were highest demographic to say very important (58 percent) with those over age 65 being the lowest (43 percent).
• When asked to describe if the U.S. dependence on foreign oil is a crisis, a major problem, a minor problem or not an issue, the majority (60 percent) described it as a major problem.
  • 25 percent described it as a crisis.
• When thinking about how electricity is made and delivered in the U.S. the majority (54 percent) of people thought our country had major problem.
  • 25 percent thought it was a minor problem.
• A strong majority (59 percent) in Florida believed that efforts to maker greater use of energy-saving technologies wind up creating more American jobs.
• 91 percent thought it was either very important or somewhat important for America to be a leader in developing advanced energy products in the future.

The online survey was conducted by John Zogby and JZ Analytics for Advanced Energy Economy Institute from August 15-17, 2012.  The survey included 600 likely Florida voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percentage points. Full survey results are available at www.AEE.net.

During the Republican and Democratic Conventions, the Advanced Energy Economy Institute is teaming with the Atlantic and National Journal to convene forums on "Powering the City," which include key voices from the nation's cities and leading industries to discuss strategies for reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency and powering the cities of the future. Yesterday's event during the GOP convention included remarks by AEE CEO Graham Richard and a panel moderated by Molly Ball of The Atlantic. The panel in Tampa included: Marvin Fertel, President & CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute; Pegeen Hanrahan, former Mayor, Gainesville, Florida; Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, American Gas Association; and Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law, U.S. Green Building Council. On-demand video of the event will be available soon on aee.net.

About Advanced Energy Economy and the AEE Institute
Advanced Energy Economy is a national organization representing the advanced energy industry. AEE's mission is to influence public policy, foster advanced energy innovation and business growth, and provide a unified voice for a strong U.S. advanced energy industry that will drive the global transition to a smarter energy future. The AEE Institute's mission is to raise awareness of the public benefits of advanced energy, drive the policy debate on key topics, and provide a forum where leaders can address energy challenges and opportunities facing the U.S.

SOURCE Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEEI)