Voters in the “Equality State” Have Vastly Different Views Toward Traditional and Alternative Energy Developments, But Are Open to Carbon Removal Sites
By Danielle Deiseroth
Though Wyoming’s economy has long relied on “traditional” energy sources such as oil, gas, and coal, the state is also becoming a case study in America’s transition away from fossil fuels. Not only is Wyoming becoming a dominant wind energy producer, it’s also the future site of a landmark direct air capture facility in the United States.
As “alternative” energy technologies expand in the state, Data for Progress sought to assess the attitudes of likely Wyoming voters toward the energy industry and new energy technologies. In a statewide poll, we find that Wyoming voters widely believe that the oil and gas industry will continue to drive the state’s economy. That said, Wyoming voters are supportive of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sites in the state, especially if the sites create good-paying jobs.
Among different energy sources and technologies, Wyoming voters express the most favorable views toward traditional energy sources like natural gas (91 percent favorable), oil (84 percent favorable), and coal (78 percent favorable). Nuclear energy (71 percent favorable) enjoys roughly the same favorability as solar energy (69 percent favorable), while wind energy lags relatively behind (52 percent favorable). Notably, several respondents express very strong negative sentiments toward wind turbines — especially regarding their appearance — in an open-ended prompt regarding any additional views toward alternative energy sources. Meanwhile, 57 percent of Wyoming voters have a favorable view of CDR technologies, though over a quarter (27 percent) haven’t heard enough to form an opinion.
Though Wyoming voters acknowledge that alternative energy sources like wind energy are increasing their footprint in the state, over three-quarters (76 percent) say that Wyoming will continue producing oil, gas, and coal for decades to come. This belief is most strongly held by Republicans (90 percent) and Independents (65 percent), while Democrats are more skeptical about Wyoming’s reliance on traditional energy sources as the United States transitions toward alternative ones.
As the state produces more energy from alternative sources, Wyoming voters are most concerned about a “trickle-down effect” from communities that are supported by the oil, gas, and coal industries. Their second biggest concern is that oil, gas, and coal workers will not find the same quality of jobs in alternative energy industries. Notably, lower energy prices are the biggest benefit that Wyoming voters would like to see from increased energy production, while the top concerns center on job losses and the local economic impact.
Despite entrenched skepticism about alternative energy industries, Wyoming voters are open-minded about carbon removal. After reading a brief description, Wyoming voters support building CDR sites in the state by a +50-point margin. There is broad support across party lines from majorities of Democrats (84 percent), Independents (69 percent), and Republicans (65 percent).
Though Wyoming voters believe that the oil, gas, and coal industries will continue to dominate the state’s energy outlook for the immediate future, there is also a clear need for more good-paying jobs in the state. New energy industries establishing a foothold in the state should be mindful that Wyoming voters believe job quality and the economic well-being of communities supported by the energy industry are of paramount importance. Finally, though relatively unknown compared to long-established energy sources, carbon removal technologies are appealing to Wyoming voters. While the development of carbon removal sites presents a potential economic opportunity for Wyoming, developers must be mindful to fulfill their promises regarding the jobs and economic benefits the sites will deliver.
Danielle Deiseroth (@danielledeis) is the Lead Climate Strategist at Data for Progress.