[The Vector] Poll Says Voters Want 60 MPG Economy Standards
The Mellman Group for Ceres conducted a poll of likely Michigan and Ohio voters, and found that the voters overwhelmingly supported an increase to average fuel economy standards to 60 miles per gallon by 2025.
The poll was conducted between April 9th and April 12th, 2011. The data comes as government agencies are seeking to develop new economy standards for the years 2017 to 2025.
“The American voter – the American consumer – is speaking loudly in these key states,” said Ceres President Mindy Lubber. “It isn’t just $4 per gallon fatigue. The voters recognize that our economic, environmental and national security futures are also rolled up in saving money at the pump and making America more energy independent.” Michigan and Ohio are key manufacturing states, with Michigan key in the auto industry.
In the poll, voters did not believe that higher standards would cost jobs or hurt automakers. To the contrary, they believed that increased efficiency could mean new jobs. Among the key findings:
- 80% of Ohio voters and 75% of Michigan voters believe a national 60 MPG standard would encourage U.S. carmakers to innovate, which could boost sales and protect jobs.
- 56% of Ohio voters and 56% of Michigan voters believe any costs attached to increasing fuel efficiency will be outweighed by benefits and will end up paying for themselves.
- 87% of Michigan voters and 90% of Ohio voters say increasing fuel efficiency is “important” or “very important”.
Political party breakdown of voters to the poll, supporting the 60 MPG standard, were:
Michigan
Democrats (91% support, 9% oppose)
Republicans (65% support, 31% oppose)
Independents (71% support, 22% oppose)
Conservatives (67% support, 29% oppose)
Moderates (76% support, 19% oppose)
Liberals (92% support, 7% oppose)
Ohio
Democrats (89% support, 8% oppose)
Republicans (68% support, 29% oppose)
Independents (77% support, 18% oppose)
Conservatives (69% support, 28% oppose)
Moderates (81% support, 13% oppose)
Liberals (89% support, 8% oppose)
In Michigan, heart of the auto industry, 78% of the voters support enacting a 60 MPG standard and 68% of auto industry households surveyed support 60 MPG. The votes were slightly higher in Ohio, which is also a key auto manufacturing hub: 79% of voters support enacting a 60 MPG standard, while 84% of auto industry households surveyed support it.
The Mellman Group has been twice honored as “Pollster of the Year” by the American Association of Political Consultants. For 30 years, they have provided sophisticated research and advice to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, foundations and political leaders. In this particular poll, the group surveyed 800 likely voters in Michigan and 800 likely voters in Ohio (likely to vote in the 2012 general elections), and list margin of error at 3.5% +/-.
