Survey: Many Americans Say Advanced Energy Will Create Jobs, Improve Economy

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Survey: Many Americans Say Advanced Energy Will Create Jobs, Improve Economy

Area Development Online News Desk (12/19/2011)

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AEE: American's Views on Energy Challenges & Opportunities

A new Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) survey discovered that 62 percent of Americans believe gasoline will increase to $5 or more per gallon within the next five years. And 8 in 10 Americans say America's dependence on foreign oil is either a "major problem” or "crisis," and that the cost had become a “burden.”

On the positive side, Americans see economic benefits to emerging energy-saving technologies, according to the survey. "By a 2 to 1 ratio, Americans believe that greater use of energy-saving technologies helps our country by saving money and making our economy more productive and competitive." More than half--55 percent--say greater use of energy-saving technologies will create jobs; a 3 to 1 ratio over those who say they will reduce jobs.

Based in Austin, TX, AEE was founded in 2011 to help alternative energy developers and communities capitalize upon the growing opportunities for energy-led economic development. Currently it represents several hundred U.S. businesses.

AEE co-founder Tom Steyer said that through advanced energy, "America has the chance to change the way we generate and consume energy, and turn energy supply from a problem to an opportunity with a profound impact to our economy and national security.”

This survey of Americans also discovered that:

Regardless of party affiliation, 91 percent believe it's important for the U.S. to make greater use of energy-saving technologies; two-thirds said it was “very important.”

67 percent said in the past three years they've taken steps to save gasoline (e.g., buy a car with better gas mileage).

73 percent reported that in the last three years their electric and heating bills have increased “a lot” (30 percent) or “some” (44 percent).

81 percent of Americans in the past three years have taken steps to save energy in their homes (e.g., installed insulation, replaced windows, switched to compact fluorescent light bulbs).

The AEE online survey of 1,004 adults has a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.