Public Perceptions of Energy Scarcity and Support for New Energy Technologies: A Western U.S. Case Study

Alexandra Buylova, Brent S. Steel and Christopher A. Simon
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Alexandra Buylova: School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Brent S. Steel: School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Christopher A. Simon: Department of Political Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: This study examines public concern for energy security and support for public investment in new energy technologies. Using household survey data from the western U.S. states of California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, socio-demographic characteristics, environmental values, and policy relevant knowledge are analyzed as drivers of energy security and technology investment orientations. Findings suggest that a majority of respondents in each state believe that not enough money is being spent on energy research, that the country has insufficient energy resources, and that new technologies can support future energy security. Multivariate analyses indicate that some socio-demographic variables (e.g., gender and education), ideology, and environmental value orientations also have an impact on energy security orientations and support for technology investment.

Keywords: energy technology; energy security; public opinion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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