A new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California finds that while many Californians still back the state’s climate goals, growing frustration with high energy costs is starting to erode that support:

• 86% of Californians view high gas prices as a problem, with 52% calling it a major problem.
• 81% believe that high energy prices will hurt California’s economy, and 54% say the damage will be significant.
• Opposition to California’s Cap-and-Trade program is at its highest level since 2014, and support has dropped seven points in the last year.
• The share who believe stricter environmental regulations hurt the economy and cost too many jobs is at its highest level since 2013.
• Support for California’s mandate that all electricity be from renewable sources by 2045 is at an all-time low.
• Opposition to the state’s law to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 is at an all-time high.
• The share of Californians who think these state climate policies will cost jobs is at an all-time high.
• More Californians believe the state’s climate policies will increase gas prices than at any point since 2019.
• The share of Californians unwilling to pay more for renewable energy is at an all-time high.

The message is clear: Californians are tired of paying more. And it’s starting to erode support for the state’s climate policies. 

With Cap-and-Trade up for renewal this year, lawmakers have a chance to get it right – by reforming the program to reduce costs, protect jobs and make progress towards our environmental goals. 

Any Cap-and-Trade extension must have meaningful reforms to protect consumers, workers, and the economy from even higher energy costs.

WSPA remains committed to balancing the need for affordable, reliable fuel with California’s long-term environmental and energy goals.