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Waning backing for renewable energy sources as investment in fossil fuels increases

Critics attribute the current strife to "cultural disputes," as a GOP strategist highlights that promoting clean energy should prioritize economic advantages over ecological aspects.

Growing interest in fossil fuels leads to diminishing support for renewable energy sources
Growing interest in fossil fuels leads to diminishing support for renewable energy sources

Waning backing for renewable energy sources as investment in fossil fuels increases

In a surprising turn of events, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center has revealed a significant decrease in support for renewable energy among both Democrats and Republicans compared to five years ago. This shift has been particularly noticeable in the increase of support for expansion of oil, coal, and natural gas, with the percentage nearly doubling from 20% in 2020 to 39% today.

The survey results also show increased opposition to solar farms and renewed political support for coal plants. This shift in opinion isn't a new trend, according to Brian Kennedy, Pew senior researcher and one of the study's authors. Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at the Yale School of the Environment, was equally surprised by the shift.

One politician who has observed this shift during his term is Robert Habeck. The survey results also suggest that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have made efforts to halt federally funded clean energy projects. This shift in opinion regarding renewable energy dates back to the presidency of Joe Biden.

Interestingly, despite the overall decrease in support for renewable energy, 69% of all respondents favor offshore wind, a technology that Trump has specifically targeted. This could indicate a more nuanced view on renewable energy among the American public.

The survey also reveals a stronger support for nuclear power among both Democrats and Republicans. Republicans' favorable opinions have increased from 53% in 2020 to 69% in 2025, and Democrats' support has risen from 37% to 52%. This could signal a potential shift towards nuclear energy as a solution for energy production.

The Trump administration has signaled support for a nuclear renaissance, despite its high cost. The percentage of Americans favoring expansion of wind and solar production has decreased from 79% in 2020 to 60%. However, support for oil and gas among Republicans has grown significantly, from 35% in 2020 to 67% today.

Gillingham believes the shift in opinion is a successful effort to link climate change and renewable energy to broader culture war issues. This could explain the polarisation of opinions on these topics in the American public.

As the debate on energy production continues, it is clear that the American public's opinion on renewable energy and fossil fuels is evolving. This shift in opinion will likely have significant implications for energy policy in the coming years.

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