New poll: Widespread bipartisan support for stronger methane pollution standards

Via the American Lung Association: 

Americans across the country overwhelmingly support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishing the first federal limits on methane emissions in the air they breathe, according to new data released today from a nationwide, bipartisan survey conducted for the American Lung Association. Moreover, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of American voters support the efforts of the EPA to establish stricter air pollution standards overall and believes that EPA scientists, not Congress, should be the ones to make these decisions.

"It is clear that the public supports stronger public health safeguards for the air we breathe," said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Cutting methane and toxic air pollutants like benzene is a winner with the American people. We urge the Environmental Protection Agency to act now."

Voters rated clean air as a higher priority than reducing regulations on businesses, with 80 percent of voters rating it as extremely or very important. By more than a three-to-one margin (69 percent in favor to 21percent opposed), voters want the EPA, not Congress to set the nation’s air pollution standards.  

On the specific issue of methane pollution standards to address air pollution from the oil and gas industry, an overwhelming two-to-one majority favors new methane emissions standards from the EPA. Support for the new standards actually grew after voters heard simulated and balanced arguments that included the strongest messages from both sides of the issue (including attacks from opponents on cost and jobs), resulting in majority support across the political spectrum, including from Republicans.

Andrew Sharp is PennFuture's Director of Outreach and is based in Philadelphia. He tweets at @RexBainbridge.