Californians are adjusting their priorities around the environment in ways that reflect changing environmental and economic conditions in the state. Survey analyst Lauren Mora outlined this recalibration in last week’s briefing for PPIC’s Californians and the Environment survey, which explores topics ranging from the cost of environmental laws to support for gubernatorial candidates.
California residents chose wildfires (19%) as the most pressing environmental issue facing the state, followed by climate change (16%). Mora noted that wildfires that have devastated the state have replaced an earlier focus on water supply during drought years.
Likely voters value the stance the next governor takes on environmental issues, with 85% asserting that a candidate’s position on the environment is important to their vote. Looking toward the November race for governor, Mora said that about 6 in 10 likely voters would choose Xavier Becerra, the Democratic candidate, over Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate. Partisans squarely support their party’s candidate (93% Democrats; 90% Republicans) while independents (60%) lean toward Becerra.
Residents also value the state’s environmental goals and policies. Three in four adults say legislation that required the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (AB32/SB32) has been mostly a good thing. However, Californians are frugal about efforts that may help reduce emissions, like renewable energy. Mora highlighted that six in ten are unwilling to pay extra for energy derived from renewable sources.
In general, Californians already feel burdened by energy costs. Six in ten (63%) also say the cost of gas and electricity is a big problem in their area, up 9 points since last July, and an opinion that holds true from San Diego to San Francisco. Across the state, residents are also united against building AI data centers—at least two in three oppose it, with majorities concerned about the environmental impact of the facilities.
However, Californians may be signaling frustration with California’s strict environmental laws by choosing government overregulation as a top-three concern (14%, tied with water supply). A ballot initiative that would amend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to expedite environmental reviews for housing, transportation, water, and similar projects may be a step toward addressing this tension. An overwhelming majority of likely voters (73%) would vote yes on the measure.
“A majority of 55% of Californians think stricter environmental laws are worth the cost while 43% believe they cost too many jobs and hurt the economy,” Mora said, adding that positive perceptions have declined from six years ago. “Californians continue to support environmental protection in principle, but they’re also willing to support targeted reforms when they believe these changes can help other pressing issues such as the housing shortage.” That is, support for climate action does not automatically translate to support for climate policy as Californians become selective about the policies they will back; support wanes if the policy increases costs or limits consumers’ choices.
In spite of their caution, or perhaps because of it, Californians still want leaders who prioritize the environment: it’s a factor in determining their vote, and people still want California to be a leader on climate change.
