February 6, 2006
Boise State Announces Energy Policy Survey Questions
The Social Science Research Center at Boise State University has released additional results from the 17th annual Idaho Public Policy Survey.
In an effort to map the values and trade-offs involved in defining and solving the nation’s energy-related issues, the Energy Policy Institute at Boise State, working in collaboration with the SSRC, asked Idahoans a variety of energy policy-related questions. The findings should provide policy-makers, citizens, and other interested parties with relevant and timely information to guide the development of energy policy for the state of Idaho.
When asked if energy policy should be a priority for the governor and Legislature, 64 percent of Idaho citizens felt that this issue was either extremely important or very important. Thirty percent of respondents felt that energy issues were only of moderate importance. In context with other issues important to Idaho adults, slightly fewer than 3 percent of the total population mentioned energy issues or fuel cost as the “most important” issue for the state.
A majority of Idahoans, 62 percent, believes that the authority to decide where power plants should be sited should be expanded to include state and local entities impacted by the decision. Currently, only the county commissioners where a power plant is proposed make that determination. Regionally, South Central Idaho, which includes the Magic Valley, felt most strongly about this issue with 71 percent of respondents agreeing.
Strong support for subsidizing alternative sources of renewable energy was also found across the state. When asked if citizens would be willing to pay a slightly higher electricity rate to encourage development of small renewable power generation (such as wind), 62 percent agreed; fewer than 23 percent opposed the concept. Southwest and South Central Idahoans were most strongly supportive with 66 percent and 68 percent in support, respectively. In addition, Idahoans from all political parties reflected majority support.
Respondents were also given the opportunity to rate the desirability of a variety of power generation alternatives. Oil-fired and coal-fired generation alternatives were clearly the least desirable options.
Sixty-seven percent found oil undesirable and 66 percent ranked coal power as a least desirable alternative. Wind and solar generation won the highest rankings for desirability, at 79 percent and 75 percent. The findings were similar across the state, with some regional differences.
These questions were developed in consultation with the Energy Policy Institute. EPI is a collaborative effort between Boise State’s Public Policy Center and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies at the Idaho National Laboratory. EPI is pending State Board of Education approval.
To download the report in PDF format, click here.
Contacts: John Freemuth, Interim Associate Director, Energy Policy Institute, (208) 426- 3931 jfreemu@boisestate.edu; or Mike Louis, Assistant to the Associate Director, Energy Policy Institute, (208) 426-2326; or, michaellouis@boisestate.edu; Carole Nemnich, Social Science Research Center, (208) 426-1835 carolenemnich@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu
