The Effect of Partisan Cues on Support for Solar and Wind Energy in the United States

Jessica A. Crowe

Social Science Quarterly, 2020, vol. 101, issue 4, 1461-1474

Abstract: Objectives Overall support for renewable energy is quite strong in the United States. With such high support, the gap between Republicans and Democrats is quite small. Despite such a narrow gap between Republicans and Democrats, the rhetoric spoken about renewable energy by high‐profile Republicans and Democrats is contradictory. This study tests how high‐profile partisan leaders impact an individual's support for renewable energy policy. Methods I examine support for solar and wind policy for 1,317 adults throughout the United States. Ordinal regression models are used to examine the influence of high‐profile partisan figures net of political affiliation, social background, and value orientations. Results Those who had favorable impressions of Representative Ocasio‐Cortez and rated high for egoistic and biospheric values had higher levels of support for renewable energy. Those who had favorable impressions of President Trump, were older, and white had lower levels of support for renewable energy. Conclusions The traditional divide between Democrats and Republicans that exists with respect to environmental concern is not as large for renewable energy support. Instead, cues from highly engaged partisan elites can have an impact on people's, particularly their supporters, perceptions and support of renewable energy.

Date: 2020
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