National Association for the Self-Employed – Business Benefits, Educational Resources and Access to Health Insurance for Small Businesses and Startups

Whether you open a local or national newspaper or turn on the TV or radio, we cannot escape the daily news coverage of our nation's worst oil spill which continues to rage on in the Gulf. In light of this environmental disaster, the NASE would like to hear your opinion on the direction our nation should take with our energy policy. Please take this short survey to tell us what you think about our nation's energy policy.

To download the full survey results, click here: NASE Monthly Poll- June 2010 Results- U.S. Energy Policy

NASE Monthly Poll

June 2010

Results

U.S. Energy Policy

1) During the past three years, how has your energy costs changed?

Answer Options		Response Percent
Increased over the years		76.4%
Decreased over the years		5.9%
Remained largely the same over the years		16.2%
Do Not Know		1.5%

2) Have you made an effort to reduce your energy costs by installing energy-efficient light bulbs, appliances, office equipment or by undergoing structural improvements (efficient HVAC systems, insulation) and other energy-saving measures to your home or business?

Answer Options		Response Percent
Yes, I have implemented energy-saving measures in my home.		39.9%
Yes, I have implemented energy-saving measures in my business.		1.7%
Yes, I have implemented energy-saving measures in both my home and business.		49.5%
No, I have not implemented energy-saving measures.		8.7%
Do Not Know		0.2%

3) In this current economic climate, are you willing to undergo and pay for the implementation of various energy-savings measures in your home and/or business?

Answer Options		Response Percent
Yes		49.0%
No		30.8%
Unsure		20.1%

4) If no or unsure, please indicate which below best represents your primary reason why you are presently uncertain or unable/unwilling to implement energy-saving measures in your home and or business.

Answer Options		Response Percent
I cannot afford to pay for energy-saving measures at this time.		45.8%
It will negatively impact my business.		1.0%
I do not want to go through the hassle of implementing energy-saving measures.		1.0%
I do not believe it is necessary because I believe that the debate on climate and other environmental issues are exaggerated.		35.5%
Other (please specify)		16.7%

5) In light of the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, do you think policymakers should prioritize the creation of a national energy policy focused on clean and renewable energy sources (i.e. solar, wind, sun, clean coal)?

Answer Options		Response Percent
Yes		59.2%
No		32.0%
Unsure		8.8%

6) What is most important to you and your business when it comes to an energy policy?

Answer Options		Response Percent
Saves my family and my business money on energy costs.		20.6%
Does not impose overly burdensome and costly regulations on my business.		23.1%
Improves the environment and quality of our air and water.		18.0%
Reduces our dependence on oil.		25.4%
Other (please specify)		12.9%

7) Please indicate whether you are in favor of or oppose the following energy proposals that have been suggested by Congress and the Administration.

Answer Options	Favor	Oppose	No Opinion
---Place stricter federal regulations limiting emissions from vehicles and requiring better fuel economy standards (more miles per gallon).	54.2%	39.4%	6.4%
---Continue drilling and allow additional drilling in possible oil rich areas within and off the shore of the United States (i.e. Alaska, Gulf of Mexico).	54.6%	39.5%	5.9%
---Increase the use of nuclear power and the creation of new nuclear plants.	61.4%	25.4%	13.1%
---Provide tax credits to individuals who implement specific energy-saving measures in their home.	79.5%	16.1%	4.3%
---Provide grants and tax credits to small businesses to help them afford the implemention costs of energy-saving measures in their business.	76.2%	19.2%	4.6%
---Offer tax subsidies to energy companies to encourage expansion of alternative energy sources (i.e. clean coal, wind energy, natural gas).	60.4%	30.3%	9.3%
---Provide federal funding to states and localities to encourage renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts.	58.2%	36.4%	5.4%
---Create training programs for displaced workers to obtain jobs in clean energy industries and with green companies.	59.6%	30.9%	9.5%
---Create a cap-and-trade system to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. The program would set an upper limit on nationwide emissions and then issues allowances to businesses, which are rights to emit a particular amount of greenhouse pollutants. The allowances can be bought and sold. This creates a financial incentive to reduce emissions.	30.8%	57.8%	11.3%

Survey Results

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