The recent poll conducted in California reveals the high importance that voters in the state place on environmental policy, with many indicating that it could potentially influence their choice for president. Most voters are in favor of a $10 billion bond measure that would fund flood control and climate resiliency projects. Additionally, a majority of voters in the state intend to support President Joe Biden, who leads in the presidential race in California, a deeply blue state.
California is currently grappling with the threat of wildfires, with more than 3,500 wildfires having already occurred by early July, destroying over 207,000 acres of land. This stark contrast to the 10,000 acres burned in the first six months of 2023 highlights the severity of the wildfire situation in the state. CalFire’s Director Joe Tyler has emphasized that California is not just experiencing a fire season, but rather a fire year.
The state’s $45 billion deficit has led to spending cuts for climate and energy programs, creating a challenge for addressing environmental issues. To address this, the Legislature approved a $10 billion state bond for the November ballot to secure additional funding for drought, floods, wildfires, coastal resilience, and extreme heat mitigation.
The poll results also shed light on the deep partisan divide on climate and energy policy in California. While 78% of voters view the environment as important in their decision for president, there is significant variance in support for the climate resiliency bond Proposition 4 across party lines. Democrats show the strongest support at 78%, followed by independents at 55%, and Republicans at only 25%.
Respondents in the poll identified climate change, wildfires, water supply, and drought as the most pressing climate issues facing California. Additionally, there is a concern among 47% of voters that home insurance may become more expensive due to climate change risks. The survey also highlighted that nearly two in three Californians are not adequately prepared for a disaster, indicating a need for increased focus on disaster preparedness measures.
The findings from the poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California underscore the significance of environmental policy in shaping the views and decisions of voters in California. As the state continues to grapple with environmental challenges such as wildfires and climate change, it is imperative for policymakers to prioritize climate resiliency and mitigation efforts to safeguard the state’s future.