New Poll Reveals Maine Residents Support Strong Lighting and Appliance Efficiency Standards

Nearly 80% of Voters Back the Use and Expansion of Energy Efficiency Technologies

WASHINGTON, DC (September 15, 2011) – Maine residents solidly support energy efficiency technologies and would like the government to play a leading role in setting higher standards for appliances, light bulbs, and other household products, according to new Public Policy Polling survey results released today by public interest groups.

“Supporting energy efficiency standards means more jobs, lower electricity bills and more product choices for consumers,” said Jim Presswood, NRDC federal energy policy director.  “It’s just plain common sense – and that’s why the people of Maine support the expansion of efficiency standards.”

Some of the poll’s notable findings include:

  • 77 percent of voters in Maine support expanded use of energy efficiency technologies to help meet our energy needs and reduce energy costs.

  • 86 percent of Maine voters say they have already installed energy efficient products in their own homes or businesses.

  • 66 percent of voters agree that switching to more efficient lighting is an effective way to reduce energy waste.

  • There’s a strong bipartisan consensus on the issue with 86 percent of Democrats, 78 percent of independents, and 64 percent of Republicans supporting energy efficiency standards.

  • Voters strongly support the federal government setting minimum energy efficiency standards for various household products with 67 percent in favor for appliances to only 25 percent opposed; and 66 percent in favor for light bulbs to only 28 percent against.

The survey also found that elected officials who attempt to weaken or delay energy efficiency standards could pay a price at the polls. Fifty percent of voters said they would oppose such efforts by their members of Congress at the polls to only 27 percent who would react favorably to those efforts.

“Consumer Reports recently tested a variety of energy efficient light bulbs newly available in stores. We found that these models use over 75% less energy, last nearly 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, and can save consumers hundreds of dollars over the life of the bulb,” said Ellen Bloom, Director of Federal Policy and the Washington, DC Office of Consumers Union. “Expanding energy standards means promoting energy efficiency, enhancing the lighting options available on the market, and helping American consumers save billions of dollars in electric bills.”

The survey had a sample size of 880 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percent. It was conducted via telephone from August 25 to 28 by the Public Policy Polling.