In 'Swing States' Survey, Republicans Bank on Advanced Energy to Spur U.S. Economic Growth

On Eve of GOP Convention, 4 in 5 Republicans Nationwide and in Battleground States Say It's Important for Nation's Political Leaders to Push Advanced Energy

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wide majorities of Republicans across the United States and in key "swing states" believe that advanced energy is important for the nation's economic future and want policymakers to focus on fostering these solutions, according to new surveys of likely voters nationwide and in swing states.

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The surveys, conducted for the Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEEI), found that 85 percent of Republicans nationwide and in 12 key swing states believe advanced energy – defined as energy products, technologies, and services that are secure, clean, and affordable over the long term – are very important or somewhat important to America's future.  At the same time, 88 percent of political independents and 96 percent of Democrats believe advanced energy is important to America's future.

The surveys also found that four in five Republicans (80 percent) across the country think it's important for U.S. political leaders to do more to further advanced energy.  In swing states, the number was virtually identical with 80 percent of Republicans saying our leaders must to do more to foster the growth of advanced energy.  For the next President, 74 percent of Republicans nationwide and 72 percent in swing states believe it's very or somewhat important for whoever is elected as the nation's chief executive to make growing and developing advanced energy a top priority.

"The swing states may be up for grabs politically, but even in these states voters overwhelmingly agree on the importance of advanced energy for our economic future," said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, a national organization representing advanced energy businesses, and of AEEI, its educational and charitable affiliate.  "Americans see the value of advanced energy companies across the nation bringing energy-producing and energy-saving technologies to market and creating jobs that fuel our economy. We look forward to working with political leaders of both parties to help grow this important foundation for our global competitiveness."

With global energy consumption projected to rise nearly 40 percent by 2030, the nation's future prosperity depends on new ways to meet the world's energy needs. Advanced energy, which encompasses the best available commercial technologies for meeting energy needs, presents an economic opportunity for American companies and workers, which have led every technology- and innovation-driven transformation of the past century.

Additional results from the surveys include:

• 79 percent of Republicans describe the nation's dependence on foreign oil as a crisis (21 percent) or a major problem (58 percent).  Only 17 percent believe it is a minor problem.  For Democrats and Independents, 83 percent and 82 percent respectively believe our reliance on foreign oil is a crisis or a major problem. In swing states, 82 percent of Republicans believe we are in crisis or a major problem while only 13 percent believe it's a minor problem.
• 58 percent of Republicans in swing states believe the nation is in a state of crisis or has major problems when they describe how electricity is made in the U.S., including its cost, reliability, safety, public health and environmental impact.  65 percent of Democrats described the situation as in crisis or major problems; 61 percent of Independents described the situation in those terms.  For the general U.S. population, 59 percent described the nation's status as in crisis or with major problems.
• 61 percent of Republicans across the nation and in swing states believe that gasoline will cost more than $5 per gallon five years from now; 35 percent believe the price will be more than $6 per gallon.  (Similar numbers were reported across all political demographics).
• 90 percent of Republicans believe it is very important or somewhat important for America's future to be a leader in developing, manufacturing, and deploying advanced energy products like batteries for power storage, solar panels and turbine components; only 6 percent described it as "not very" or "not important at all." In swing states, 83 percent of Republicans believe these solutions are very or somewhat important. 

The online surveys were conducted by John Zogby and JZ Analytics for Advanced Energy Economy Institute from August 15-17, 2012.  The national survey included 1,052 US likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points. The swing state survey of 1,200 likely voters was conducted in the states of Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.  Full survey results are available at www.AEE.net.

During the Republican and Democratic Conventions, the Advanced Energy Economy Institute is teaming with the Atlantic and National Journal to convene forums on "Powering the City," which include key voices from the nation's cities and leading industries to discuss strategies for reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency and powering the cities of the future.  The event during the GOP convention will include remarks by AEE CEO Graham Richard and a moderated panel.  The panel in Tampa includes: Marvin Fertel, President & CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute; Pegeen Hanrahan, former Mayor, Gainsville, Florida; Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, American Gas Association; and Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law, U.S. Green Building Council.  The Republican Convention event will take place on Monday, August 27 at 4:00-5:15 pm at the Carne Chophouse, 1536 East 7^th Avenue, Tampa, Florida. 

About Advanced Energy Economy and the AEE Institute
Advanced Energy Economy is a national organization representing the advanced energy industry. AEE's mission is to influence public policy, foster advanced energy innovation and business growth, and provide a unified voice for a strong U.S. advanced energy industry that will drive the global transition to a smarter energy future. The AEE Institute's mission is to raise awareness of the public benefits of advanced energy, drive the policy debate on key topics, and provide a forum where leaders can address energy challenges and opportunities facing the U.S.

SOURCE Advanced Energy Economy (AEE)