SALEM, Ore., Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new poll commissioned by Coltura, 58% of Oregon 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 33% of Oregon 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. Oregonians are excited to switch from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles (EVs). It found 72% of respondents have a somewhat or very positive opinion of EVs. Of respondents planning to purchase a vehicle in the next five years, 54% said they were likely to buy an EV.
The top two factors influencing Oregonians’ 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.
"This polling confirms that people across Oregon want to transition to EVs now," said Victoria Paykar, Oregon Transportation Policy Manager at Climate Solutions. "It’s not a surprise that the need for more public charging infrastructure remains on peoples’ minds, especially for folks who do not have access to at-home charging. Now with federal dollars coming, we are optimistic that a robust buildout of public charging infrastructure is on the way."
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 354 voters was conducted in Oregon (margin of error +/- 5.6%). Polling methodology and additional findings are available at https://www.coltura.org/polling.
About Coltura
Coltura is working to improve climate, health, and equity by accelerating the transition from gasoline and diesel to cleaner alternatives. 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
