Most studies examining community acceptance of renewables have been based on cross-sectional rather than longitudinal data (Ellis et al, 2023). Here we pursue the latter by comparing the results of two representative surveys distributed in Michigan, the first, an IPPSR State of the State Survey (SOSS) from Fall 2017 (+/- 3.9% margin of error) (see Anctil & Moore, 2018) and the second, a YouGov (SOSS) survey from Spring 2023. Below we share some intriguing trends in what appears to be dramatically reduced support for continued renewable development:
In 2017, 91% of residents supported more solar power development in Michigan. In 2023, only 63% of residents still support more solar power development.
In 2017, 87% of residents supported more wind development in Michigan. In 2023? Only 55% still support further wind development.
Offshore wind in the Great Lakes? In 2017, 76% of residents supported offshore wind turbine development in the Great Lakes not visible from the shoreline. In 2023? Only 50%. Those numbers drop further with respect to offshore wind turbines that would be visible from shore. In 2017, 58% were in support. In 2023, only 38%.
What about electric vehicles? Surely demand for EVs has increased! In 2017, 49% of Michigan residents said that if they could afford one, they would consider purchasing a fully electric vehicle as their next car. In 2023? Only 36% agreed.
Some good news? (Maybe?) In 2017, 73% of Michigan residents supported major increases in the use of natural gas to generate electricity. In 2023, only 39% continue to support such increases.
More to come…
See Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research for more information about each survey.
Energy Values Lab 