Key Findings

California had storms and snowpacks of historic proportions this winter, followed by large water runoffs in the spring, providing a welcome respite from a prolonged drought. But Californians are facing “weather whiplash” and heat waves as the global climate changes. Meanwhile, the economy is sending mixed signals, and state government surpluses have given way to shortfalls. These situations raise questions about the state’s ability to meet ambitious climate goals—even given federal investments in climate and clean energy programs through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Amid changing economic and environmental conditions, what do Californians think about climate change and climate policies?

This is the 25th year of the PPIC Statewide Survey, and these are the key findings of the annual survey on Californians and The Environment, conducted from June 7 to June 29, 2023:

Solid majorities see the effects of climate change and say it is their top concern or one of several important concerns. When asked how much climate change is affecting their local community, 25 percent say “a great deal” and 46 percent report that is having “some” effect. Overwhelming majorities believe that climate change is a “very” or “somewhat” serious threat to California’s future economy and quality of life; however, partisans differ on these issues. →
Forty-five percent have been personally affected by extreme weather events in the past two years. Overwhelming majorities think that climate change has contributed to recent extreme weather events and believe that extreme weather events are at least “somewhat” of a problem in their part of California. Nineteen percent have a “great deal” of confidence and 56 percent have “only some” confidence in government’s readiness to respond to extreme weather. →
Solid majorities believe that stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. Strong majorities of Californians favor the state’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a state law that requires 100 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2045. Fifty-seven percent believe that gasoline prices will increase due to efforts to reduce climate change. Forty-three percent are willing to pay more for electricity from renewable sources. Partisans are divided on the tradeoffs between the economy and energy policies. →
Half have seriously considered buying an electric vehicle and 8 percent already have one. Majorities are in favor of the federal goal of having two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the US to be electric by 2032, while 45 percent are in favor of the state goal of banning the sale of all new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. Fifty-eight percent say electric vehicle use helps address climate change a “great deal” or “fair amount,” including about half or more across income and racial/ethnic groups. Partisans are divided on electric vehicles and their impact on climate change. →
Two out of three Californians view oceans and beaches as very important to the state’s future economy and quality of life. Solid majorities say that plastics and declining marine life are big problems, while half or fewer say that ocean pollution and overfishing are big problems in the part of the California coast that is closest to them. Overwhelming majorities favor wind power and wave energy projects, and strong majorities oppose more oil drilling off the California coast. →
Majorities approve of Governor Newsom and the state legislature when it comes to their handling of environmental issues. Nearly half approve of President Biden and one in four approve of the US Congress on environmental issues. Partisans are divided on the governor, state legislature, and the president, but there is bipartisan disapproval of Congress. Forty-eight percent say they can trust the state government and 31 percent say they can trust the federal government always or most of the time when it comes to environmental issues. →

Climate Change Perceptions and Policy Preferences

About eight in ten California adults and likely voters say climate change is a top concern (26% adults, 24% likely voters) or one of several important concerns for them personally (56% adults, 54% likely voters), while fewer say it is not an important concern (18% adults, 22% likely voters). About a quarter have said climate change is a top concern to them since 2021, when PPIC first asked this question. Today, Democrats and independents are much more likely than Republicans to say this is a top concern for them personally. About two in ten or more across demographic groups say this, with shares falling as income and age rise. The share reporting climate change as a top concern varies across the state’s major regions; it is highest in the San Francisco Bay Area (31%) and Los Angeles (31%) and lowest in the Inland Empire (17%; 20% Orange/San Diego, 22% Central Valley).

Most Californians say climate change is a top concern or one of several important concerns to them personally

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

When asked if global climate change is affecting their local communities, about seven in ten adults say it is having at least some effect in their communities, including a quarter who say it has affected their community a great deal. In comparison, about three in ten say it has not affected their local community very much (19%) or has not affected them at all (10%). One in three Democrats (34%) and about a quarter of independents (26%) say climate change has affected their local community a great deal, compared to fewer Republicans (7%). Opinions vary across demographic groups, with African Americans (40%), Latinos (33%), lower-income adults (35% less than $40,000), younger adults ages 18 to 34 (32%), renters (31%), women (30%), and adults with high school educations only (30%) most likely to say it has affected their communities “a great deal.” About two in ten or more across the state’s regions say climate change has affected their local communities a great deal. Eight in ten Californians say climate change is a very serious (43%) or somewhat serious (37%) threat to the economy and quality of life for California’s future (13% not too serious, 7% not at all serious).

An overwhelming majority say climate change has affected their local community at least to some extent

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

When asked to name the most important environmental issue facing California today, water and drought was named most often (22%), followed by wildfires (18%), climate change (16%), air pollution and vehicle emissions (8%), and energy (5%). Last year, 30 percent said water and drought was the most important environmental issue; fewer named wildfires (13%) and climate change (11%).

When it comes to specific climate policy goals set by the state and federal government, nearly three in four adults and 69 percent of likely voters are in favor of the state law that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. About two in three or more have supported this goal since 2017. About a quarter or more oppose (26% adults, 30% likely voters). There is partisan division on this issue, while majorities across demographic and regional groups are in favor.

Seven in ten or fewer adults and likely voters favor the state’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, and no later than 2045; three in ten or more adults and likely voters oppose. There is partisan division on this issue as well, and support varies across demographic groups and regions.

Nearly three in four adults and likely voters favor the Biden administration’s goal of attaining carbon neutrality by 2050, meaning that US carbon dioxide emissions would not exceed the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. Today, about one in four adults and likely voters oppose this goal. A similar share was in favor last July. Partisans today are divided, while solid majorities across demographic groups and regions are in favor. Nearly seven in ten adults nationwide (69%) supported this goal early last year, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

Seven in ten or more favor state and federal goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

% favor

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Extreme Weather Events

California has faced many extreme weather events—including a record-setting snowpack, flooding due to atmospheric rivers, and extreme dry periods and heat waves. This year, the survey asked several new questions about extreme weather events. An overwhelming majority of adults say these events are at least somewhat of a problem, including 35 percent who see them as a big problem. Nearly half of Democrats and 34 percent of independents say extreme weather is a big problem, compared to 15 percent of Republicans. Three in ten or more across demographic and regional groups hold this view.

An overwhelming majority of adults say extreme weather events are at least somewhat of a problem in their part of the state

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Nearly eight in ten Californians think climate change has contributed to California’s recent extreme weather events (22% no, has not contributed). Democrats and independents are at least twice as likely as Republicans to say this. This view is somewhat more prevalent among African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos than whites, among women than men, among renters than homeowners, and among coastal residents than inland residents. The share saying climate change has contributed to extreme weather events declines as age and income rise.

In response to another new question, 45 percent of Californians say they have personally been affected by an extreme weather event where they live in the past two years. About half of independents and Democrats say they have been personally affected, compared to about one in three Republicans. Across demographic groups, young adults ages 18 to 34 (53%) are most likely to say they have been affected—and this is the only demographic group where this share peaks over half. Across the state’s regions, shares saying they have been affected are highest in the Inland Empire (53%) and lowest in Orange/San Diego (30%). According to a Gallup poll conducted in March, one in three adults nationwide say they have been personally affected by an extreme weather event where they live.

More than four in ten say they have personally been affected by an extreme weather event where they live in the past two years

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Nineteen percent say they have a “great deal” of confidence and 56 percent have “only some” confidence in government’s readiness to respond to extreme weather events, while 25 percent say they have “hardly any” confidence.

A majority of Californians (57%) say it is very important for the state government to pass regulations and spend money now in an effort to reduce climate change (27% somewhat, 16% not too important). More than four in ten across demographic and regional groups say this approach is very important, while partisans are divided.

To prepare for the future effects of climate change, such as flooding, storms, and wildfires, a solid majority of Californians (62%) say it is very important for the state government to pass regulations and spend money now on these efforts (27% somewhat, 11% not too important). Majorities across demographic and regional groups say it is very important, while partisans are divided.

Majorities of adults say it is very important to enact regulations and spend money now on climate change

% very important

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Economy, Environment, and Energy

Solid majorities of adults and likely voters say that the protection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of curbing economic growth, while about one in three or fewer say economic growth should be given priority, even if the environment suffers. These shares were similar in July 2021. Partisans today are divided, with most Democrats and independents saying protection of the environment should be given priority, while most Republicans say economic growth should be given priority. Solid majorities across demographic groups say protection of the environment should come first. Across the state’s major regions, about seven in ten residents in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles hold this view, compared to fewer in other regions. Seven in ten residents on California’s coasts want to prioritize the environment, compared to 64 percent of inland residents. According to a Gallup poll conducted in March, 52 percent of adults nationwide say the environment should be given priority.

A strong majority support efforts to protect the environment, even at the risk of curbing economic growth

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Six in ten adults (61%) and likely voters (59%) say stricter environmental laws and regulations in California are worth the cost; four in ten adults (39%) and likely voters (41%) say stricter environmental laws and regulations in California cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. While partisans are sharply divided, half or more across demographic groups and regions think that stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. Similar shares said this in July 2020 and July 2021.

When asked how California doing things to reduce climate change in the future would affect gasoline prices around the state, a majority of adults (57%) say it would increase gasoline prices. About a quarter of adults say it would lower gasoline prices, while 15 percent say it wouldn’t affect prices at all. A majority has said gasoline prices would increase since PPIC first asked this question in 2016. Today, majorities of Republicans and independents, and half of Democrats hold this view. Two in three white adults say this, compared to about half fewer among other racial/ethnic groups. Adults with incomes of $80,000 or more are more likely than adults with lower incomes to say gas prices would rise. The share holding this view rises as age increases. About six in ten or fewer across California’s major regions believe state efforts to reduce climate change would increase gas prices.

A majority continue to think that doing things to reduce climate change in the future would cause gasoline prices to increase

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2016–2023.

What about the perceived employment impacts of California doing things to reduce climate change? Forty-one percent think there will be more jobs, 31 percent say there will be fewer jobs, and 28 percent say the number of jobs for people around the state would not change. The perception that there will be more jobs is most prevalent among African Americans (55%) and Democrats (54%) and does not reach a majority across any other demographic group or region.

Solid majorities of adults (68%) and likely voters (64%) favor the state law that requires 100 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2045, while about three in ten or more adults and likely voters oppose it. Majorities have been in favor since the first time PPIC asked this question in 2018. There is a partisan divide on this state law, while majorities across demographic and regional groups favor it.

While many support the shift to renewable energy, a majority of adults (57%) say they are not willing to pay more for electricity if it came from renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy, while 43 percent say they would be willing to pay more. The share willing to pay more has exceeded 50 percent only once, in 2016 (56%). Today, a majority of Democrats are willing to pay more, while most independents and Republicans are not. Three in ten or more across demographic and regional groups are willing to pay more.

Most Californians favor the state law requiring all electricity to come from renewable sources by 2045, but fewer than half are willing to pay more for renewable-sourced electricity

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Electric Vehicles

Half of adults say they have seriously considered an electric vehicle for the next time they buy or lease a vehicle, while 8 percent say they already have an electric vehicle. About four in ten say they have not seriously considered this purchase. These shares were similar last July. Today, solid majorities of Democrats and independents have either seriously considered purchasing an electric vehicle or already have one, while most Republicans have not seriously considered buying an electric vehicle. About half or more across most demographic groups have seriously considered an electric vehicle, with the exception of 44 percent of whites and 41 percent of adults ages 55 and older. Half or more across regions say this, with the exception of 38 percent of Central Valley residents. In response to a similar question, about one in three adults nationwide (34%) say they would consider buying an electric vehicle, according to a March Reuters/Ipos poll.

A majority of adults have already bought or have considered buying an electric vehicle

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

A majority of adults say the use of electric vehicles helps address climate change a great deal (21%) or a fair amount (37%), while 27 percent say it helps only a little and 15 percent say it does not help at all. Democrats are much more likely than independents, and far more likely than Republicans, to say it helps a great deal or a fair amount. About a quarter or fewer among demographic groups say it helps a great deal. The shares saying the use of electric vehicles helps a great deal decline as income increases. Across regions, the share holding this view is highest in Los Angeles and lowest in the Central Valley.

Nearly six in ten adults think the use of electric vehicles helps address climate change at least a fair amount

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

A slim majority of adults (54%) and likely voters (55%) oppose a state ban on the sale of all new gasoline-powered vehicles in California by 2035, while 45 percent of both adults and likely voters are in favor of a ban. The share in favor was similar last July. A solid majority of Democrats are in favor of this proposal, while majorities of independents and Republicans are opposed. Across demographic groups, there is majority support only among Asian Americans and adults ages 18 to 34. Across regions, support is highest among Los Angeles residents (54%) and lowest among Central Valley residents (30%). Half of coastal residents are in favor, compared to one-third of inland residents.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration set a goal of having two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the US be electric by the year 2032. Nearly six in ten adults and likely voters are in favor of this goal, while about four in ten adults and likely voters are opposed. Partisans are divided, with majorities of Democrats and independents in favor, and about eight in ten Republicans opposed. Half or more across demographic groups are in favor. A majority are in favor across all regions except the Central Valley (40%). Coastal residents (63%) are much more likely than inland residents (45%) to favor this goal.

When asked about the state banning the sale of all new diesel-powered heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks in California by 2036, 56 percent of adults and 55 percent of likely voters are in favor. Half or more across demographic groups are in favor; inland residents are much less supportive than coastal residents (44% to 61%), and there is a wide partisan divide (74% Democrats, 22% Republicans, 51% independents).

A majority support the goal of having two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the US be electric; fewer favor banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in California

% favor

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Ocean, Coast, and Marine Life

Nearly all Californians say ocean and beach conditions are important (67% very, 27% somewhat) to California’s future economy and quality of life (4% not too important, 2% not at all important). The share saying these conditions are important has been similar since we first asked this question in 2017. Today, majorities across regions and demographic groups say ocean and beach conditions are very important. Majorities across parties also hold this view, but Democrats and independents are much more likely than Republicans to see ocean and beach conditions as very important.

Most adults say the condition of oceans and beaches is very important to the economy and quality of life for the state's future

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Consistent with findings in recent years, most adults (66%) and likely voters (65%) are opposed to allowing more oil drilling off the California coast. A majority have been opposed since July 2015. Today, majorities across the state’s regions and demographic groups are opposed, and Californians living along the coast are somewhat more likely than those living inland to hold this view. Overwhelming shares of Democrats (77%) and independents (71%) are opposed, compared to about one in three Republicans (35%).

When asked about wind power and wave energy projects off the coast, overwhelming majorities of adults (83%) and likely voters (83%) are in favor. Overwhelming majorities are in favor across parties, regions, and demographic groups. Overwhelming majorities of adults (73%) and likely voters (76%) also favor building desalination plants on the California coast, as do solid majorities across regions and partisan and demographic groups.

Most continue to favor wind power and wave energy projects, while most continue to oppose allowing more oil drilling off the California coast

% favor

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2017–2023.

When asked to specify their concerns about the condition of coasts and beaches closest to them, overwhelming majorities (71% adults, 71% likely voters) say plastics and marine debris are a big problem, while majorities (60% adults, 58% likely voters) view declining marine life as a big problem. Half of Californians (50% adults, 49% likely voters) say that ocean and beach pollution is a big problem, while more than four in ten (45% adults, 44% likely voters) say that commercial overfishing is a big problem.

Across the state’s major regions, half or more say that plastics and marine debris and declining marine life are big problems; about half in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles region view overfishing as a big problem, while majorities in both Los Angeles and Orange/San Diego are concerned about ocean and beach pollution. Democrats and independents are much more likely than Republicans to view any of these as big problems. Women are somewhat more likely than men to view any of these ocean, coastal, and marine issues as problems, with the exception of overfishing (big problem: 46% men, 44% women); the gender gap is largest when it comes to ocean and beach pollution. Younger Californians are more likely than older Californians to view ocean and beach pollution, overfishing, and declining marine life as a big problem, while similar shares of Californians of all ages see plastics and marine debris as a big problem.

Ninety-two percent of Californians—including overwhelming majorities across political and demographic groups and regions of the state—are in favor of maintaining the rules and boundaries of national marine sanctuaries and California Marine Protected Areas (or MPAs) to protect fish, wildlife, and their habitat off the California coast. Support was similar in July 2020 and July 2018.

Californians are most likely to see plastics and marine debris and declining marine life as big problems along California's coast

% big problem

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

State and Federal Approval Ratings

Majorities continue to approve of Governor Newsom’s handling of the environment, with 58 percent of adults and 59 percent of likely voters approving. Majorities have approved of the governor’s handling of the environment since 2020. Today, most Democrats (82%) and a slim majority of independents (53%) approve, compared to 17 percent of Republicans. Approval is much higher in coastal areas (64%) than in inland areas (46%) of the state. Half or more across demographic groups approve of the governor’s handling of environmental issues. Across racial/ethnic groups, majorities of African Americans (78%) Asian Americans (69%), and Latinos (60%) approve, compared to half of whites.

Fifty-four percent of adults and 55 percent of likely voters approve of the state legislature’s handling of environmental issues. Views have been similar since 2021. Today, most Democrats (74%) and a slim majority of independents (52%) approve, compared to 16 percent of Republicans. Coastal residents are much more approving than inland residents (58% coastal, 44% inland). About half or more across age, gender, education, and income groups approve of the legislature on environmental issues.

Majorities of adults approve of the governor's and state legislature's handling of environmental issues

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2011–2023.

Forty-seven percent of adults and 51 percent of likely voters approve of President Biden’s handling of environmental issues. Approval was similar last July and much higher in July 2021 (61% adults, 61% likely voters). Today, a strong majority of Democrats (69%) approve, compared to 39 percent of independents and 14 percent of Republicans. Fifty-two percent of coastal residents approve of President Biden on this issue, compared to 37 percent of inland residents. Across racial/ethnic groups, African Americans (63%) and Asian Americans (58%) are most likely to approve followed by Latinos (45%) and whites (44%). Approval of the president’s handling of environmental issues increases with rising age.

When it comes to approval of the way Congress is handling environmental issues, about one in four Californians (25%) and likely voters (22%) approve. Approval was similar last year among adults (25%) and likely voters (18%); fewer than four in ten have approved since 2011. Today, overwhelming majorities across parties disapprove, as do strong majorities across regions and demographic groups.

Fewer than half of adults approve of the president's handling of environmental issues, while one quarter approve of Congress on these issues

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2011-2023.

About half of Californians (48%) say they can trust the state government always or most of the time when it comes to environmental issues, while 31 percent say they can trust the federal government.

Overall approval of elected officials is somewhat similar to approval for their handling of environmental issues. At the state level, majorities of adults and likely voters approve of Governor Newsom (58% adults, 59% likely voters) and the legislature (52% adults, 52% likely voters). At the federal level, half of adults and 55 percent of likely voters approve of President Biden’s job performance, while 27 percent of adults and 23 percent of likely voters approve of Congress. Findings on each of these four questions were similar in June 2023.

A majority of Californians approve of Governor Newsom; half approve of the state legislature and President Biden, while fewer approve of Congress

% overall approval

SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2023. Survey was fielded from June 7–29, 2023 (n=1,724 adults, n=1,092 likely voters).

Regional Map

Methodology

This is the 25th year of the PPIC Statewide Survey. Coauthors of this report include survey director Mark Baldassare, who holds the Miller Chair in Public Policy; associate survey director and research fellow Dean Bonner, survey analyst Rachel Lawler, and survey analyst Deja Thomas, who was the project manager for this survey. The Californians and the Environment survey is supported with funding from the Arjay and Frances F. Miller Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Windy Hill Fund. The PPIC Statewide Survey invites input, comments, and suggestions from policy and public opinion experts and from its own advisory committee, but survey methods, questions, and content are determined solely by PPIC’s survey team.

Findings in this report are based on a survey of 1,724 California adult residents. The median time to complete the survey was 20 minutes via web, and 42 minutes via telephone. Interviews were conducted from June 7–29, 2023.

The survey was conducted by SSRS, using its online SSRS Opinion Panel, along with a supplemental address-based sampling (ABS) sample. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish according to respondents’ preferences. SSRS Opinion Panel members are recruited through probability-based sampling and include both those with internet access and those without. Prior to 2022, a portion of the panel, including hard-to-reach populations, was recruited via Random Digit Dialing (RDD) methods. SSRS Opinion Panel members who do not have internet access or are unwilling to take surveys online were reached via telephone. SSRS Opinion Panel members are primarily recruited using address-based sampling (ABS) methodology, which improves population coverage, particularly for hard-to-reach populations such as young adults and minority groups. SSRS recruits panel members in both English and Spanish.

To qualify for the survey, a panel member must be age 18 or older and reside in California. A general population sample of Californians was selected from the United States Postal Service (USPS) Computerized Delivery Sequence File (CDSF). The CDSF contains information on all delivery addresses’ services by the USPS, with the exception of general delivery, and is updated weekly. The sample was stratified at the block group level based on demographic information, in order to reach more Asian, Latino, and low-income respondents and achieve a more representative sample. A total of 1,725 qualified respondents completed the survey out of 2,894 panelists who were sampled, for a response rate of 50.1 percent. To ensure the highest data quality, we flagged respondents who completed the survey in less than 20 percent of the median length after the first two days of data collection. A total of 1 case was removed after this review process, resulting in 1,724 total qualified and valid cases.

To reach sample size goals, and target harder-to-reach populations, the SSRS Opinion Panel was supplemented with a cross-sectional, stratified sample of 286 ABS California residents. These ABS respondents had the ability to take the survey online or telephone using a toll-free number. For a subsample of ABS cases with a phone match, SSRS made targeted calling for hard-to-reach populations. In total, 1,658 surveys were completed via web, and 66 surveys were completed via phone.

Accent on Languages, Inc., translated new survey questions into Spanish, with assistance from Renatta DeFever.

For this survey, SSRS uses the US Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey’s (ACS) Public Use Microdata Series for California (with regional coding information from the University of Minnesota’s Integrated Public Use Microdata Series for California) to compare certain demographic characteristics of the survey sample—region, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education—with the characteristics of California’s adult population. The survey sample was closely comparable to the ACS figures. We also used voter registration data from the California Secretary of State to compare the party registration of registered voters in our sample to party registration statewide. The sample of Californians is first weighted using an initial sampling or base weight that corrects for any differences in the probability of selecting various segments of the SSRS Opinion Panel sample. This base weight is further adjusted using an iterative proportional fitting (raking) procedure that aligns sample demographics to population benchmarks from the 2021 ACS data as well as party registration benchmarks from the California Secretary of State’s voter registration file.

The sampling error, taking design effects from weighting into consideration, is ±3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level for the total unweighted sample of 1,724 adults. This means that 95 times out of 100, the results will be within 3.1 percentage points of what they would be if all adults in California were interviewed. The sampling error for unweighted subgroups is larger: for the 1,506 registered voters, the sampling error is ±3.3 percent; for the 1,092 likely voters, it is ±3.8 percent. Sampling error is only one type of error to which surveys are subject. Results may also be affected by factors such as question wording, question order, and survey timing.

We present results for five geographic regions, accounting for approximately 90 percent of the state population. “Central Valley” includes Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Yolo, and Yuba Counties. “San Francisco Bay Area” includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. “Los Angeles” refers to Los Angeles County, “Inland Empire” refers to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and “Orange/San Diego” refers to Orange and San Diego Counties. Residents of other geographic areas are included in the results reported for all adults, registered voters, and likely voters, but sample sizes for these less-populous areas are not large enough to report separately. Additionally, in several places, we refer to coastal and inland counties. Within coastal counties, the “north and central coast” region refers to the counties along the California coast from San Luis Obispo County northward to Del Norte County, including all of the San Francisco Bay Area counties. The “south coast” region includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties. All other counties are included in the “inland” region.

We present results for non-Hispanic whites, who account for 40 percent of the state’s adult population, and also for Latinos, who account for 36 percent of the state’s adult population and constitute one of the fastest-growing voter groups. We also present results for non-Hispanic Asian Americans, who make up about 16 percent of the state’s adult population, and non-Hispanic African Americans, who comprise about 5 percent. Results for other racial/ethnic groups—such as Native Americans—are included in the results reported for all adults, registered voters, and likely voters, but sample sizes are not large enough for separate analysis. Results for African American and Asian American likely voters are combined with those of other racial/ethnic groups because sample sizes for African American and Asian American likely voters are too small for separate analysis. We compare the opinions of those who report they are registered Democrats, registered Republicans, and decline-to-state or independent voters; the results for those who say they are registered to vote in other parties are not large enough for separate analysis. We also analyze the responses of likely voters—so designated per their responses to survey questions about voter registration, previous election participation, intentions to vote this year, attention to election news, and current interest in politics.

Sample sizes and margins of error for each subgroup are presented in the table below.

The percentages presented in the report tables and in the questionnaire may not add to 100 due to rounding.

We compare current PPIC Statewide Survey results to those in our earlier surveys and national surveys conducted by NBC News. Numerous questions were adapted from national surveys by Gallup, the Pew Research Center, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Additional details about our methodology can be found at www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/SurveyMethodology.pdf and are available upon request through surveys@ppic.org.

Methodology

Accent on Languages, Inc., translated new survey questions into Spanish, with assistance from Renatta DeFever.

Sample sizes and margins of error for each subgroup are presented in the table below.

The percentages presented in the report tables and in the questionnaire may not add to 100 due to rounding.

Questions and Responses

June 7–29, 2023
1,724 California adult residents
English, Spanish

Margin of error ±3.1% at 95% confidence level for total sample
Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way that Governor Newsom is handling his job as governor of California?

58% approve
42% disapprove
– don’t know

2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way that Governor Newsom is handling environmental issues in California?

58% approve
40% disapprove
1% don’t know

3. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way that the California Legislature is handling its job?

52% approve
47% disapprove
– don’t know

4. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way that the California Legislature is handling environmental issues in California?

54% approve
45% disapprove
1% don’t know

5. How much of the time can you trust the state government to do what is right when it comes to handling environmental issues in California?

8% just about always
40% most of the time
52% only some of the time
– don’t know

6. Next, what do you think is the most important environmental issue facing California today?

22% water supply, drought, reservoirs
18% wildfires, loss of forests
16% climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases
8% air pollution, vehicle emissions, smog
5% energy, fossil fuels, alternative energy
4% pollution in general
3% landfills, garbage, waste, recycling
3% water pollution of ocean, rivers, lakes, beaches
18% other (specify)
3% don’t know

7. Which of these statements comes closer to your view, even if neither is exactly right? [rotate response options]

39% stricter environmental laws and regulations in California cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
61% stricter environmental laws and regulations in California are worth the cost
– don’t know

8. With which one of these statements about the environment and the economy do you most agree? [rotate response options]

68% protection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of curbing economic growth
31% economic growth should be given priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent
– don’t know

On to another topic…

9. Would you say that the supply of water is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not much of a problem in your part of California?

51% big problem
36% somewhat of a problem
12% not much of a problem
– don’t know

10. Generally speaking, do you think that your part of California is still in a drought, or not?

53% yes
47% no
– don’t know

11. Do you think that pollution of drinking water is a more serious health threat in lower-income areas than other areas in your part of California, or not?

73% yes
27% no
– don’t know

12. How serious a health threat is pollution of drinking water in your part of California to you and your immediate family?

21% very serious
30% somewhat serious
49% not too serious
– don’t know

Changing topics…

13. Would you say that extreme weather events are a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not much of a problem in your part of California?

35% big problem
41% somewhat of a problem
24% not much of a problem
– don’t know

14. In the past two years, have you personally been affected by an extreme weather event where you live, or not?

45% yes
55% no
– don’t know

15. Do you think climate change has contributed to California’s recent extreme weather events, or not?

77% yes, has contributed
22% no, has not contributed
1% don’t know

16. How much confidence do you have in the government in terms of its readiness to respond to extreme weather events in your part of California?

19% a great deal
56% only some
25% hardly any
– don’t know

17. Next, would you say that air pollution is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not much of a problem in your part of California?

35% big problem
46% somewhat of a problem
20% not much of a problem
– don’t know

18. Do you think that air pollution is a more serious health threat in lower-income areas than other areas in your part of California, or not?

58% yes
42% no
– don’t know

19. How serious a health threat is air pollution in your part of California to you and your immediate family?

22% very serious
39% somewhat serious
38% not too serious
– don’t know

20. Next, how much of a problem is the threat of wildfires in your part of California? Is it:

44% big problem
34% somewhat of a problem
21% not much of a problem
– don’t know

21. How serious is the threat of wildfires in your part of California to your personal and economic wellbeing?

30% very serious
36% somewhat serious
34% not too serious
– don’t know

22. Do you think climate change has contributed to California’s recent wildfires, or not?

75% yes, has contributed
25% no, has not contributed
– don’t know

23. How much confidence do you have in the government in terms of its readiness to respond to wildfires in your part of California?

32% a great deal
53% only some
14% hardly any
– don’t know

24. On another topic, which of the following statements reflect your view of when the effects of climate change will begin to happen? [rotate response options]

64% they have already begun to happen
6% they will start happening within a few years
12% they will start happening within your lifetime
11% they will not happen within your lifetime, but they will affect future generations
8% they will never happen
– don’t know

Thinking about issues and activities that some people care deeply about and others do not…

25. Compared with other issues, would you say addressing global climate change is… [rotate response options]

26% a top concern to you personally
56% one of several important concerns to you
18% not an important concern to you
– don’t know

26. How much, if at all, do you think global climate change is currently affecting your local community?

25% a great deal
46% only some
19% hardly any
10% not at all
– don’t know

27. How serious of a threat is climate change to the economy and quality of life for California’s future?

43% very serious
37% somewhat serious
13% not too serious
7% not at all serious
– don’t know

The following is a list of a few of the possible impacts of climate change in the future in California. Please answer whether you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned about each one.

[randomize questions 28 through 32]

28. How about increased flooding? Are you…

33% very concerned
36% somewhat concerned
23% not too concerned
8% not at all concerned
– don’t know

29. How about increasing rising sea levels? Are you…

33% very concerned
36% somewhat concerned
21% not too concerned
10% not at all concerned
– don’t know

30. How about heat waves that are more severe? Are you…

56% very concerned
29% somewhat concerned
11% not too concerned
4% not at all concerned
– don’t know

31. How about droughts that are more severe? Are you…

63% very concerned
26% somewhat concerned
8% not too concerned
3% not at all concerned
– don’t know

32. How about wildfires that are more severe? Are you…

62% very concerned
28% somewhat concerned
7% not too concerned
3% not at all concerned
– don’t know

[rotate questions 33 and 34]

33. How important is it for the state government to pass regulations and spend money now on efforts to prepare for the future effects of climate change, such as flooding, storms, and wildfires? Is it:

62% very important
27% somewhat important
11% not too important
– don’t know

34. How important is it for the state government to pass regulations and spend money now on efforts to reduce climate change? Is it:

57% very important
27% somewhat important
16% not too important
– don’t know

35. Next, to address climate change, do you favor or oppose the state law that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2030?

73% favor
26% oppose
1% don’t know

Next, government officials are discussing other ways to deal with climate change. Please indicate if you favor or oppose the following plans to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[randomize questions 36 through 39]

36. Do you favor or oppose the state law that requires 100 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by the year 2045?

68% favor
31% oppose
1% don’t know

37. Do you favor or oppose the state banning the sale of all new diesel-powered heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks in California by 2036?

56% favor
43% oppose
1% don’t know

38. Do you favor or oppose the state banning the sale of all new gasoline-powered vehicles in California by 2035?

45% favor
54% oppose
1% don’t know

39. Do you favor or oppose the state setting a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045?

69% favor
30% oppose
1% don’t know

40. How much, if anything, have you heard about the state government policy called “cap-and-trade” that sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions?

10% a lot
39% a little
50% nothing at all
– don’t know

41. In the system called “cap and trade,” the California state government issues permits limiting the amount of greenhouse gases companies can put out. Companies that do not use all their permits can sell them to other companies. The idea is that many companies will find ways to put out less greenhouse gases, because that will be cheaper than buying permits.

Do you favor or oppose the cap-and-trade system?

66% favor
33% oppose
1% don’t know

42. Next, how important to you is it that some of the cap-and-trade revenues are spent on projects to improve environmental conditions in lower-income and disadvantaged communities?

41% very important
37% somewhat important
13% not too important
8% not at all important
– don’t know

43. Next, do you favor or oppose the California state government making its own policies, separate from the federal government, to address the issue of climate change?

68% favor
31% oppose
– don’t know

44. When it comes to efforts to fight climate change, how important is it to you that California acts as a leader around the world?

47% very important
27% somewhat important
13% not too important
13% not at all important
– don’t know

45. Next, do you think that California doing things to reduce climate change in the future would cause there to be (more jobs) for people around the state, would cause there to be (fewer jobs), or wouldn’t affect the number of jobs for people around the state? [rotate response options]

41% more jobs
31% fewer jobs
28% wouldn’t affect the number of jobs
– don’t know

46. Do you think that California doing things to reduce climate change in the future would cause gasoline prices at the pump around the state to [rotate] [1] (increase), or to [2] (decrease), or wouldn’t affect gasoline prices at the pump around the state? [rotate response options]

57% increase gasoline prices
27% decrease gasoline prices
15% wouldn’t affect gasoline prices
1% don’t know

47. In order to help reduce climate change, would you be willing or not willing to pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy?

43% willing
57% not willing
– don’t know

On another topic…

48. Would you say that you have or have not seriously considered getting an electric vehicle the next time you buy or lease a vehicle, or do you already have one?

50% have considered
41% have not considered
8% already have one
– don’t know

49. How much do you think the use of electric vehicles helps address climate change?

21% a great deal
37% a fair amount
27% only a little
15% not at all
– don’t know

Changing topics…

50. Do you think that ocean and beach pollution along the California coast is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem in California today?

50% big problem
44% somewhat of a problem
6% not a problem
– don’t know

[randomize questions 51 through 53]

The following is a list of specific problems that some people say affect our ocean and marine life in California. After each, please indicate whether you think it is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem in the part of the California coast that is closest to you.

51. How about overfishing, or depleting the fishing stock, by commercial fishing? Do you think this is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem in the part of the California coast that is closest to you?

45% big problem
43% somewhat of a problem
12% not a problem
– don’t know

52. How about plastics and marine debris? Do you think this is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem in the part of the California coast that is closest to you?

71% big problem
26% somewhat of a problem
3% not a problem
– don’t know

53. How about declining marine life? Do you think this is a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem in the part of the California coast that is closest to you?

60% big problem
34% somewhat of a problem
6% not a problem
– don’t know

54. Next, how important is the condition of oceans and beaches to the economy and quality of life for California’s future?

67% very important
27% somewhat important
4% not too important
2% not at all important
– don’t know

[randomize questions 55 through 58]

Next, please indicate if you favor or oppose the following proposals.

55. How about allowing more oil drilling off the California coast? Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

34% favor
66% oppose
1% don’t know

56. How about allowing wind power and wave energy projects off the California coast? Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

83% favor
17% oppose
– don’t know

57. How about building desalination plants on the California coast? Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

73% favor
26% oppose
1% don’t know

58. How about maintaining the rules and boundaries of national marine sanctuaries and California Marine Protected Areas—or MPAs—to protect fish, wildlife, and their habitat off the California coast? Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

92% favor
8% oppose
– don’t know

On to another topic…

59. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is handling his job as president of the United States?

50% approve
50% disapprove
– don’t know

60. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is handling environmental issues in the United States?

47% approve
52% disapprove
1% don’t know

61. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the US Congress is handling its job?

27% approve
73% disapprove
1% don’t know

62. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the US Congress is handling environmental issues in the United States?

25% approve
74% disapprove
1% don’t know

63. How much of the time can you trust the federal government to do what is right when it comes to handling environmental issues in the United States?

6% just about always
25% most of the time
68% only some of the time
– don’t know

64. As you may know, the Biden administration has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, meaning the country would release no more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than it removes. Do you favor or oppose the US taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050?

73% favor
26% oppose
1% don’t know

65. As you may know, the Biden administration has recently set a goal of having two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the US to be electric by 2032. Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

58% favor
42% oppose
1% don’t know

On another topic, many people face tradeoffs when choosing where to live—meaning they have to give up some things in order to get other things. How do you feel about the following tradeoffs? Other things being equal…

[rotate questions 66 and 67]

66. Would you choose to live: [rotate response options]

29% in a condo or town home if it were convenient to use public transit to commute and travel locally
71% in a single-family detached home, even if it means that you need to drive a car to commute and drive locally
1% don’t know

67. Would you choose to live: [rotate response options]

56% in a mixed-use neighborhood if it means you can walk to stores, schools, and services
44% in a residential-only neighborhood, even if it means you have to drive to stores, schools, and services
– don’t know

On another topic… People have different ideas about state land use and local growth issues.

[rotate questions 68 and 69]

68. Which of the following two statements comes closer to your views—even if neither is exactly right? [rotate response options]

55% the state government should ease current land use and environmental restrictions to increase the supply of housing
44% the state government should maintain current land use and environmental restrictions, even if it increases the cost of new housing
1% don’t know

69. Which of the following two statements comes closer to your views—even if neither is exactly right? [rotate response options]

59% the state government should require local governments to build their “fair share” of new housing that is affordable for the workforce in the region
41% local governments should decide how much and what kinds of new housing to build in their communities
– don’t know

70. [likely voters only] Changing topics, in general, do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing that a majority of voters can make laws and change public policies about environmental issues in California by passing ballot measures?

80% good thing
19% bad thing
1% don’t know

71. [likely voters only] How important is it to you personally to vote on ballot measures that will make laws and change public policies about environmental issues in California?

77% very important
19% somewhat important
4% not too important
– don’t know

72. [likely voters only] The legislature is considering a $6 billion bond measure for the November 2024 ballot to pay for flood protection and climate resiliency projects. If the election were being held today, would you vote yes or no?

65% yes
34% no
1% don’t know

73. [likely voters only] There will be a referendum of the November 2024 ballot challenging the 2022 law that prohibits new oil and gas wells near homes, schools, and hospitals. If the election were being held today, would you vote yes to approve the law or no to reject the law?

64% yes, to approve the law
36% no, to reject the law
– don’t know

74. [likely voters only] Do you favor or oppose having a citizens’ assembly on the environmental issues facing the state, where about 100 citizens would be randomly chosen and invited by state government officials to represent the profile of the public and, after hearing from experts, reviewing materials, and deliberating among themselves, would make recommendations to the governor and legislature on laws and ballot measures on environmental issues in California?

68% favor
32% oppose
1% don’t know

75. [likely voters only] Do you favor or oppose having a citizens’ initiative review commission where a representative group of about 24 citizens would be randomly chosen and invited by state government officials to participate in several public meetings, and given the task of choosing the citizens’ initiatives to review, holding public hearings in which both yes and no campaigns, along with policy experts, deliberate on the initiatives’ pros and cons, and then make ballot recommendations in the Secretary of State’s voter information guide?

64% favor
36% oppose
– don’t know

Moving on to a few questions about gun violence. By “gun violence” we mean gun-related crimes such as being threatened with a gun, as well as gun-related injuries such as homicides, violent crimes, attempted suicides, suicides, and unintentional death and injuries…

76. These days, how safe, if at all, from gun violence do you feel in your neighborhood?

27% very safe
45% somewhat safe
19% not too safe
10% not safe at all
– don’t know

77. Would you say that gun-related crimes, injuries, and deaths are a constant threat to your local community, a major concern but not a constant threat, more of a minor concern, or not a concern?

21% constant threat
40% major concern but not a constant threat
29% minor concern
10% not a concern
– don’t know

78. How often, if ever, do you worry that you or someone you love will be a victim of gun violence?

[rotate order top to bottom]

11% every day
14% almost every day
38% sometimes
25% rarely
11% never
– don’t know

Changing topics…

79. Some people are registered to vote and others are not. Are you absolutely certain that you are registered to vote in California?

87% yes [ask q79a]
13% no [skip to q80b]

79a. Are you registered as a Democrat, a Republican, another party, or are you registered as a decline-to-state or independent voter?

49% Democrat [ask q80]
24% Republican [skip to q80a]
3% another party (please specify) [skip to q81]
23% decline-to-state/independent [skip to q80b]

[likely voters only]

52% Democrat [ask q80]
27% Republican [skip to q80a]
3% another party (please specify) [skip to q81]
18% decline-to-state/independent [skip to q80b]

80. Would you call yourself a strong Democrat or not a very strong Democrat?

56% strong
44% not very strong
– don’t know

[skip to q81]

80a. Would you call yourself a strong Republican or not a very strong Republican?

59% strong
41% not very strong
– don’t know

[skip to q81]

80b. Do you think of yourself as closer to the Republican Party or Democratic Party?

38% Republican Party
59% Democratic Party
2% neither

81. [likely voters only] As you may know, California now has a top-two primary system for statewide races in which voters can cast ballots for any candidate, regardless of party, and the two candidates receiving the most votes—regardless of party—will advance to the general election. If the June primary for US Senator were being held today, and these were the candidates, who would you vote for? [randomize list]

19% Katie Porter, a Democrat, Congresswoman
16% Adam Schiff, a Democrat, Congressman
13% Barbara Lee, a Democrat, Congresswoman
7% Eric Early, a Republican, Attorney/Business Owner
6% James P. Bradley, a Republican, Chief Financial Officer
5% Sarah Liew, a Republican, Chief Executive Officer
4% Jonathan Reiss, a Republican, Business Owner
3% Frank Ferreira, an independent
2% Fepbrina Keivaulqe Autiameineire, other
2% Joshua Bocanegra, a Democrat
2% Danny Fabricant, a Republican
2% Roxanne Lawler, a Republican
2% Raji Rab, a Democrat, Aviator/Educator/Entrepreneur
2% Jessica Resendez, a Democrat
1% Akinyemi Agbede, a Democrat, Mathematician
1% Jehu Thomas De Gerold Hand, a Republican
1% Jacob Farmos, a Democrat
1% Jeremy Fennell, a Democrat
1% Denice Gary-Pandol, a Republican
1% Denard Ingram, a Democrat
3% someone else (please specify)
6% don’t know

82. [Republican likely voters only] If the 2024 Republican primary for president were being held today, and these were the candidates, who would you vote for? [randomize list]

50% Donald Trump, former president
24% Ron DeSantis, Florida governor
6% Mike Pence, former vice president
5% Tim Scott, US senator
3% Liz Cheney, former Wyoming congresswoman
3% Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey
3% Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor
2% Kristi Noem, South Dakota governor
1% Vivek Ramaswamy, entrepreneur and author
– Asa Hutchinson, businessman and former Arkansas governor
– Glen Youngkin, Virginia governor
2% someone else (please specify)
1% don’t know

83. [likely voters only] If the 2024 presidential election were being held today, and these were the candidates, who would you vote for?

57% Joe Biden
31% Donald Trump
11% someone else (please specify)
1% neither/would not vote for President (volunteered)
– don’t know

84. Would you consider yourself to be politically: [rotate order top to bottom]

14% very liberal
20% somewhat liberal
41% middle-of-the-road
18% somewhat conservative
8% very conservative
– don’t know

85. Generally speaking, how much interest would you say you have in politics?

18% a great deal
43% a fair amount
33% only a little
6% none
– don’t know

[d1–d18 demographic questions]