In the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, it would seem that the majority of Americans advocate reforms to energy policy that they believe will create jobs, reduce greenhouse gases, and increase our own home-grown energy.

60% of those polled support the White House’s proposal, and 55% of those believe that President Obama is doing a good job in his handling of the energy policy issue.  Though the margin has been holding steadily since June, 52%-43% of Americans approve of a cap-and-trade system, with support rising in developing electric car technology, as well as those of solar and wind power, and greater fuel efficiency, not surprisingly, so long as the effect on Americans isn’t too adverse.

The further use of nuclear energy, for instance, is increasingly supported (by 52% of Americans, compared to only 47% eight years ago), so long as the plant is more than 50 miles away from home (support dropping by 17% if plants were closer than 50 miles away!).  And while 58% of Americans support greater fuel efficiency at home so long as the cost increase is only about $10 per month, support drops to 39% if the cost to consumers’ bottom line is $25 per month.

Most Americans agree that the time has come to step up to the plate, and make the energy changes we need to make to ensure our own security and prosperity.  But it’s also clear that the support is contingent on it not costing us too much.

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