Consumers Want Energy Independence, Still Say 'NIMBY'

What this study is missing, of course, is some data around how consumers might respond to micro-power generation (solar, wind, bio-diesel) that directly benefits their block, street, or neighborhood. It's time to get serious about this concept. There is good news from this study, however, especially for the 2008 elections...

From Green Biz:

NEW YORK, June 8, 2007 -- A new study by RBC Capital Markets finds that almost all Americans say the country needs to be self-reliant in its energy production, but don't want traditional energy plants in their hometowns.

Among the other highlights of the survey are:

• 74 percent of Americans said they would consider a candidate's stand on energy issues when voting in the 2008 presidential election, up from 49 percent who did so in 2004


• When asked, "Will the United States find a solution to its energy problems in your lifetime?" 57 percent said no. Even the survey's youngest respondents (18 to 24 years old) did not believe the nation would find a solution to its energy problems in their lifetimes, with close to half (48 percent) expressing disbelief


• Three-quarters said that companies who adopt and comply with environmentally friendly and energy efficient standards should receive a meaningful reduction in corporate taxes