Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




As Economic Concerns Recede, Environmental Protection Rises on the Public’s Policy Agenda

As Economic Concerns Recede, Environmental Protection Rises on the Public’s Policy Agenda

Full Title: As Economic Concerns Recede, Environmental Protection Rises on the Public’s Policy Agenda
Author(s): Carroll Doherty, Jocelyn Kiley, and Nida Asheer
Publisher(s): Pew Research Center
Publication Date: February 13, 2020
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Reflecting a strong U.S. economy, Americans’ policy priorities have changed in recent years. The public now places less priority on economic and job concerns than it did just a few years ago. At the same time, environmental protection and global climate change are rising on the public’s agenda for the president and Congress.

For the first time in Pew Research Center surveys dating back nearly two decades, nearly as many Americans say protecting the environment should be a top policy priority (64%) as say this about strengthening the economy (67%).

In addition, while a smaller share (52%) rates dealing with global climate change as a top priority, this is 14 percentage points higher than just three years ago. Today, similar shares rate climate change and improving the job situation (49%) as top policy priorities for President Donald Trump and Congress. Three years ago, 68% said jobs were a top priority, compared with just 38% who named climate change.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.