Poll: Mainers represented by Rep. Golden rate climate provisions of infrastructure plan highly

Proposal builds bridges across party lines in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District

Environment Maine

AUGUSTA — A new poll released Thursday revealed support for President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal across the political spectrum in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. The district, represented by Rep. Jared Golden, includes all of the northern part of the state, comprising nearly 80 percent of the state’s total land mass. The survey, sponsored by Environment Maine, Earthjustice and Environment America, provides district-specific data on how voters view the American Jobs Plan (AJP).

The poll found that overall, voters support the bill by a 61 percent to 35 percent margin. 62 percent of the all-important Independent voters polled approve of the plan. 57 percent of those surveyed said Congress should pass the bill if a bipartisan majority of the U.S. public supports it, even if Congress does not reflect that bipartisanship.

On multiple measures, voters in the district clearly signal that components of the AJP that focus specifically on climate change and clean energy are a significant selling point. When told that the plan includes a major emphasis on investments to expand the use of clean energy, such as wind and solar power, to tackle the climate crisis and create jobs, 59 percent of voters in the 2nd District firmly say that this approach makes them more likely to support the AJP.

Among the specific provisions designed to address the climate crisis:

• 84 percent of voters in the 2nd District support investments to rebuild roads and bridges and modernize public transportation to ensure it is cleaner and able to serve more people.

• 82 percent of voters support upgrading water infrastructure so all Americans have access to safe, clean drinking water. 

• 81 percent of voters support funding for research and development of sustainable agriculture to protect Maine’s coastlines and fisheries.

• 69 percent of voters support addressing the challenge of climate change by shifting to greater use of clean energy, reducing carbon pollution from vehicles and industry, and making homes and buildings more energy efficient.

• 67 percent of voters support investments in clean energy such as wind and solar power by extending tax credits to spur innovation and manufacturing.

“Maine has been hit hard by the climate crisis and the societal devastation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Anya Fetcher, Environment Maine State Director. “We must think big and act boldly to protect our treasured environment and protect the health of Mainers. Thankfully, the American Jobs Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in what matters and tackle the climate crisis, and this data demonstrates that Mainers support President Biden’s plan to build back better.”

The survey was conducted via live telephone conversations between May 3 and May 6 by Hart Research Associates for Environment America and Earthjustice, in cooperation with the League of Conservation Voters. A memorandum outlining the full results of the survey is included with this press release.

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Environment Maine is a citizen-based, statewide environmental advocacy organization working to ensure clean air, clean water, and a liveable planet, and protecting Maine’s great natural heritage. For more information about this and other Environment Maine projects, visit www.EnvironmentMaine.org.