Most Americans Support Climate Reforms. Why Won’t Congress Pass Them?

Tony Leiserowitz, director of Yale University’s Program in Climate Change Communication, says the disconnect between climate change and politics is widespread.

“We see almost everywhere, at every level of government, that public officials dramatically underestimate the level of support from their constituents,” Leiserowitz said.

“Voter Preferences and Priorities”

More data from Yale polls showed that global warming ranked 19th out of 28 issues cited in choosing a presidential candidate. It ranked higher among Democratic voters and lower among Republican voters.

Republican Party voters ranked the economy and inflation as their top two issues.

“There’s a huge difference between what voters want and what their priorities are. And, you know, politicians have limited time, limited money, and limited ways to communicate with voters,” said Nathaniel Stinnett, founder and director of the Environmental Voter Project.

In California, a state that typically leads the way on environmental laws and regulations, some local officials are wary of making changes too quickly.

It is surprising that some Democratic Party lawmakers are voting against environmental legislation despite widespread public support for climate action.

California Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio said her votes reflect the financial realities her constituents live with, not climate change denial.

“Not every community can afford any policy that we pass,” Rubio said, pointing to the state’s clean-car law that bans the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Experts warn the state may not have the infrastructure to support the change.

“We often vote on bills based on hopes and dreams,” Rubio said.

Labor is also a key issue. While clean energy jobs now make up more than half of California’s energy workforce, fossil fuel jobs pay on average 50% more because of stronger unions.

State Senator Melissa Hurtado, who represents the state’s largest oil-producing region, supports reducing emissions but emphasizes the need to protect local jobs.

“We need to think about what will keep our economy going and keep people employed,” Hurtado said.

New environmental regulations have pumped money and jobs into the economy

Even though California Democrats may believe some climate policies hurt their voters, many districts across the country are seeing millions of dollars in investment and new jobs thanks to climate policies.

This is particularly true in conservative congressional districts where all representatives voted against the inflation reduction bill.