SANTA FE, N.M., Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new poll commissioned by Coltura, 51% of New Mexico voters support a policy that would require all new cars sold to be electric by 2030 to reduce air pollution, combat climate change, create jobs, and keep energy dollars in the state. Under such a policy, individuals could still drive, buy, and sell gas-powered cars manufactured before 2030. Just 38% of New Mexico voters oppose the policy.
"To achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions, we must address a major source of carbon pollution driving the climate crisis: gas-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs," said Janelle London, co-executive director of Coltura. "The findings of this poll make clear that the public supports a 2030 target date for phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles. It’s time for elected officials to pass laws that reflect the will of their constituents."
The survey went deeper to inquire about attitudes towards electric cars, gasoline usage, and the environment. New Mexicans are excited to switch from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles (EVs), even though more education is needed. It found 63% of respondents have a somewhat or very positive opinion of EVs.
The top two factors influencing New Mexicans’ likelihood of getting an EV were the availability of a federal tax credit of $7,500 and more public charging stations. Most EVs are currently eligible for the federal tax credit, but the Biden administration has proposed increasing the credit to $12,500 for EVs made in America by union labor.
"Congress should pass the Build Back Better Act to help accelerate clean, electric transportation," said Travis Madsen, Transportation Program Director at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). "Expanded EV tax credits can help more New Mexicans access the benefits of electric vehicles, including savings on fuel and maintenance, healthier air and less climate change."
Nationally, 68% of respondents have a positive attitude towards EVs. Black and Hispanic respondents support phasing out gasoline cars by a 2:1 margin. Additionally, 71% of voters aged 18-34 favor phasing out gas cars by 2030.
About the Poll
Climate Nexus Polling, in partnership with the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, conducted a representative survey of 2,678 registered voters across the U.S. in a scientific online poll conducted in October 2021. An oversample of 247 voters was conducted in New Mexico (margin of the error +/- 7.2%). Polling methodology and additional findings are available at https://www.coltura.org/polling.
About SWEEP
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization advancing more efficient energy use and clean transportation options in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.swenergy.org.
About Coltura
Coltura is working to improve climate, health, and equity by accelerating the transition from gasoline and diesel to cleaner alternatives. It focuses on changing gasoline supply, demand, and culture through innovative legal and policy pathways, media, and art. It is currently leading a multi-state effort to introduce legislation setting a target for all model year 2030 or later passenger and light-duty vehicles sold to be electric vehicles. Learn more at www.coltura.org.
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SOURCE Coltura
Related Links
https://www.coltura.org/polling
http://www.swenergy.org
http://www.coltura.org