A statewide poll commissioned by Coltura shows strong voter support for phasing out the sale of new gas vehicles by 2030.
According to a new poll authorized by the Seattle-based environmental group, 55 percent of Florida voters support a policy that would require all new cars sold to be electric by 2030 to reduce air pollution, combat climate change, create jobs, and keep energy dollars in the state. Additionally, 37 percent of Floridians opposed the policy.
Coltura says the proposed policy would allow individuals to still drive, buy, and sell gas-powered cars manufactured before 2030.
“To achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions, we must address a major source of carbon pollution driving the climate crisis: gas-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs,” said Janelle London, co-executive director of Coltura. “The findings of this poll make clear that the public supports a 2030 target date for phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles. It’s time for elected officials to pass laws that reflect the will of their constituents.”
The survey also inquired about attitudes towards electric cars, gasoline usage, and the environment. It found 67 percent of Florida respondents have a positive opinion of electric vehicles (EVs), compared to 25 percent who have a negative opinion. Of respondents planning to purchase a vehicle in the next five years, 43 percent said they were likely to buy an EV.
Notably, the Coltura found that the top two factors influencing Floridians’ likelihood of getting an EV were the availability of a federal tax credit of $7,500 and more public charging stations. Most EVs are currently eligible for the federal tax credit, but the Biden administration has proposed increasing the credit to $12,500 for EVs made in America by union labor.
Nationally, 68 percent of respondents have a positive attitude towards EVs. Black and Hispanic respondents support phasing out gasoline cars by a 2:1 margin. Additionally, 71 percent of voters aged 18-34 favor phasing out gas cars by 2030.
The poll was conducted by Climate Nexus Polling, in partnership with the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication. The group surveyed 2,678 registered voters across the U.S. in a scientific online poll conducted in October 2021. A sample of 196 voters was taken in Florida (margin of error +/- 8.3%).