"The Trump administration has been working hard to effectively repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and destroy the Biden administration’s historic investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. After initially attempting to freeze the funding from Joe Biden’s 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Donald Trump is now taking credit for the projects it funded, while also pushing a top-down approach to artificial intelligence infrastructure. New Data for Progress polling assesses how voters view the government’s role in shaping the U.S. economy and growing key industries, as well as how they would feel about new developments in their local community. The survey finds broad public support for the government to take a more active role in supporting new economic development. A strong majority of voters (71%) believe the federal government should take a more active role in shaping the U.S. economy, and 82% of voters view investment in new technologies or industries as a priority for the federal government. While voters generally express high support for new industrial development, only 51% say they would be enthusiastic about a new construction project in their community."

This survey of nonprofit professionals in the social and educational sectors is a partnership of Stanford University and Project Evident.

This case study recounts and analyzes the 2023 ballot initiative campaign for Maine to take ownership of the two investor-owned utilities in the state and create a new publicly-owned utility called Pine Tree Power. Along the way, the Our Power campaign integrated research throughout their campaign to evaluate their power-building strategy. While the referendum lost at the ballot, Our Power draw out a number of insights from their campaign for energy democracy, including:

15 % think utilities bills are the "most unfair" part of their budget. 41% think climate change and environmental issues are "some of the most urgent crises facing out country a should be addressed now", while only 16% think "environmental concerns have been exaggerated and should not be a priority".

A poll of voters in August exploring Americans’ concerns about the cost of energy, their energy priorities, and their views on different energy types, growing energy demand, and the energy provisions in the OBBBA.

A new poll from Data for Progress explores voter attitudes toward nuclear and geothermal, particularly in the context of local deployment and decarbonization.

Third Way and Impact Research found that non-college-educated men under 50 are a key demographic holding deep misconceptions about clean energy, with 40% believing fossil fuels are as good or better for the environment. To shift these views, advocates must go beyond digital platforms and focus on trusted messengers and targeted messaging. This group’s skepticism requires tailored strategies that address misinformation and resonate culturally and emotionally.

From July 25 to 26, 2025, Data for Progress conducted a national survey of 1,209 likely U.S. voters using an online panel. This study explored sentiments bipartisan voter attitudes towards local energy development.

States like Vermont, New York, and Michigan are leading in climate action with renewable energy targets and pollution regulations. A national survey shows that 36% of voters believe Democrats are more active on energy and environmental issues, with responses varying by partisanship.

This memo overviews recent polling and provides guidance for local elected officials on how to effectively communicate about climate and clean energy to align with Americans’ economic concerns. Our core recommendation: keep messages simple, focused, and personal—centered on the direct costs people are experiencing in their daily lives.