This post includes climate and environment headlines, data points, and key takeaways from recent public polls - including new polling on Americans’ experiences and perceptions about extreme weather + the first polling we’ve seen on the Supreme Court overturning the Chevron deference. 

See this webpage for links to all the following resources.

HEADLINES

Pew – Majorities of Americans who report experiences with extreme weather, including Republicans, say that climate change contributed to it [Website, Full Report, Topline]

Navigator – Voters tilt against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron deference when they learn about it; effective messages focus on clean air and water and how experts and scientists, rather than unelected judges, should be making decisions about how to keep Americans safe [Website, Deck]

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Voters don’t agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron deference, but they’re hearing very little about it. Navigator finds that around two-thirds of voters have heard little or nothing about the Supreme Court’s decision to limit agency experts’ ability to interpret regulations and give more power to the courts instead. When they see an explanation of the decision, however, voters oppose it by a double-digit margin.

Messaging about striking down Chevron should focus on the consequences for everyday Americans’ health and safety. Navigator also finds that two specific arguments are particularly effective at persuading voters to oppose the Supreme Court’s decision:

1.) “Experts and professional scientists should be the ones making decisions about how to keep Americans safe and protect the environment, rather than unelected judges without subject matter training.”
2.) “This decision will make it much harder to protect the environment, keep Americans safe from substances like lead and arsenic, ensure access to clean air and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
 

GOOD DATA POINTS TO HIGHLIGHT

• [Extreme Weather + Climate Change] Majorities of Americans who say that their area experienced heat waves, droughts, major wildfires, or rising sea levels in the past year say that climate change contributed “a lot” to the event [Pew]
   
• [Climate Adaptation] 73% of Americans say that it’s a good idea to set stricter building standards for new construction in places at high risk of extreme weather [Pew]
   
• [Climate Adaptation] 57% of Americans say that it’s a good idea for the government to provide financial assistance for people to rebuild in places at high risk of extreme weather [Pew]
   
• [Chevron] By a 28-point margin (64%-36%), voters side more with the following statement over an opposing argument in favor of the Supreme Court striking down the Chevron deference: “Experts and professional scientists should be the ones making decisions about how to keep Americans safe and protect the environment, rather than unelected judges without subject matter training.” [Navigator]
   
• [Chevron] By a 20-point margin (60%-40%), voters side more with the following statement over an opposing argument in favor of the Supreme Court striking down the Chevron deference: “This decision will make it much harder to protect the environment, keep Americans safe from substances like lead and arsenic, ensure access to clean air and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” [Navigator]