Latino Sentiments, Energy & the Environment

CNC unveiled topline findings from its statewide Energy & Environmental survey, conducted February 22 to March 30, 2025, with Data for Social Good. Among 1,253 registered California voters, with a margin of error of ±3.0%, the poll captures voter sentiments on various energy and environmental issues related to state and federal policies.

The survey results highlight significant public concern about worsening environmental degradation, with a strong majority believing environmental issues, such as extreme weather, drought, and air quality, have become more severe. Respondents expressed overwhelming support for the federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment (Environmental Protection Agency) and policies promoting fuel efficiency and renewable energy tax credits. The results also show low awareness of California's Cap-and-Trade program and carbon capture sequestration technology, while showing mixed views on lithium extraction. Overall, Californians prioritize clean energy policies, are wary of jobs compromising health, and believe corporations are a significant barrier to environmental improvement.

A one-page summary of the California toplines is available, along with a more detailed look at survey responses in the Central Valley, Inland Empire and Imperial County, and Southern California. Deepdive webinar recordings for each region are also available via the CNC Action Fund YouTube.

CNC statement on polling results:

“This survey confirms conversations we have had with our neighbors: voters in California care about the environment and want cleaner air and water. They see that incentives in clean energy and fuel efficiency work towards achieving those priorities,” said Melissa Vargas, Sr. Policy Advisor for CNC Action Fund. “As families in California continue to struggle in their recovery from the historic wildfires that took place at the beginning of the year, they are simultaneously bracing for yet another summer of record-shattering heat and more frequent and severe wildfires. Meanwhile, President Trump and Congress are intent on rolling back energy and environmental policies that directly threaten our health, home, and future,” continued Vargas. 

Key Findings across California:

Pervasive Environmental Concerns:

• A significant majority of Californians (78.2%) believe environmental issues have become more severe 
• The top three environmental concerns identified are: Wildfires, Water quality, and Air quality/air pollution

Strong Support for Environmental Protection and Clean Energy Policies:

• Overwhelming support for the EPA: More than 83% of respondents believe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should not be abolished
• Broad support for clean energy policies: Respondents are generally supportive, with specific strong backing for: Making cars, trucks, and buses more fuel-efficient; providing tax credits to Americans who install clean energy systems; and providing tax incentives to businesses to promote their use of wind, solar, and nuclear power
• Opposition to fossil fuel expansion: Sixty percent of respondents do not believe the federal government should expand oil drilling in the US
• Support for taxes on polluters/wealthy: Respondents support state policies that increase taxes on corporations (74.7%) and the wealthy (56.4%) to fund policies and projects that address extreme weather events
• Desire for stronger regulations: More than half of the respondents agree that lawmakers should pass stronger regulations for lithium extraction companies

Mixed Awareness and Concerns Regarding Specific Energy Programs:

• Cap-and-Trade Program: Fifty-five percent of the respondents are unaware of the program
  • Despite low awareness, 47.3% agree California should increase the cost of carbon permits, even if it raises short-term costs
  • However, 67% believe combating climate change at the source is more practical than through a permit program
• Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS): Almost 47% of respondents are not aware of CCS
  • Top concerns about CCS include: Health risks from potential CO₂ leaks (49.9%); financial burden on taxpayers (46.7%); and increased pollution from nearby industrial facilities (46.4%)
  • Respondents prioritize renewable energy (58.7%) and pollution reduction at industrial sites (55.9%) over CCS
• Lithium Extraction: Respondents are divided (~33%) in their support of lithium extraction in Imperial County
  • Concerns exist regarding the health risks for nearby communities associated with lithium extraction

Nuanced Views on State Efforts and Individual Agency:

• Water Quality: Respondents were split on California’s efforts to keep water clean and accessible
• Individual Vote Power: A significant portion of respondents have a low perception of their individual vote power (40.2%)

Prioritizing Health Outcomes and Identifying Barriers to Change:

• Health over Jobs: Over 70% of respondents are unwilling to accept new jobs if they lead to worse health outcomes (57.3% strongly agree and 14.3% somewhat agree)
• Barriers to Environmental Improvement: Nearly 25% of respondents believe corporations are the biggest barrier to improving the environment, followed by government/government gridlock at 18.5% and political party establishments at 14.7%

Implications:

The survey highlights a strong public mandate in California for addressing environmental issues and supporting clean energy initiatives. However, successful implementation of specific policies will require increased public awareness campaigns, particularly for complex programs like Cap-and-Trade and carbon capture and sequestration. Addressing public concerns about health risks associated with new technologies and ensuring transparency will be crucial for gaining broader acceptance. The divided sentiment on water quality efforts suggests an area where the state may need to re-evaluate its strategies or improve public communication regarding progress. The perception of low individual vote power also indicates a need to empower voters and demonstrate the impact of their participation in environmental policy.