Submitted by Thurston Climate Action Team
According to a recent survey, Thurston County residents are very concerned about the local impacts of climate change, strongly support a variety of possible renewable energy and energy conservation programs, and are willing to pay to see those programs happen. In partnership with Thurston County and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT) completed a survey in June to gauge local public opinion about clean energy and climate change.
Thurston County and LOTT committed financial support for the survey. In addition, faculty members from the three higher education institutions in the county (Saint Martin’s University, The Evergreen State College, and South Puget Sound Community College) collaborated on the design and implementation of the survey. The team recruited area college students to make survey phone calls between June 22 and 30. Calls were made to a random sample of phone numbers in Thurston County.
There was a positive reaction toward community life in Thurston County, with 81% of respondents rating it as good or excellent. There was strong agreement that climate change is occurring, will be a serious problem for Thurston County if not addressed, and that action is needed. Nearly 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it is important to take action on climate change. There was also strong support for a wide range of renewable energy and energy conservation measures. Over 80% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they would support expanding local transit options, home energy efficiency programs, promoting solar energy, promoting clean energy businesses, and promoting walking and biking, and coordinating these programs county-wide. In addition, over 75% of respondents were willing to contribute financial support to these programs (with 69% willing to pay at least $10 per year), and 63% were willing to do so through a local tax mechanism (either utility, sales or property tax).
Complete results of the survey are available on the Thurston Climate Action Team website. They are also being reported out to local elected officials in September and October. Those interested in additional information about the survey may contact TCAT at the e-mail address, survey@thurstonclimateaction.org.
