Opinion Poll Shows Small Businesses Support Clean Energy Standards and Want Congressional Action on EPA Nominee

Washington, DC̢??‰۝A scientific opinion poll released today shows entrepreneurs support the Environmental Protection Agency regulating carbon emissions and support the president̢??‰?s nominee to head the agency, Gina McCarthy. The poll also revealed a majority of small business owners believe Congress is doing a poor job confirming presidential nominees and think nominees deserve timely up or down votes.

The national poll of 858 small business owners, conducted April 12-14 by Public Policy Polling on behalf of Small Business Majority, found 52 percent of small businesses support the EPA regulating carbon emissions and another 65 percent support setting standards for existing power plants, refineries and other major emitters. Six in 10 agree expanded use of renewable energy sources can have economic benefits for small business owners and almost seven in 10 support increasing automotive fuel efficiency standards. A 56 percent majority believe government can play an important role in creating financial incentives that help small businesses take energy efficiency measures.

What̢??‰?s more, small businesses support the woman tapped to take the EPA̢??‰?s reins. After learning of her qualifications, 58 percent supporting nominee Gina McCarthy, the agency̢??‰?s current air chief. A Senate committee is expected to vote Thursday on McCarthy̢??‰?s nomination. Given the partisan divide over environmental regulations, it̢??‰?s important to note the political breakdown of respondents, with 37 percent identifying as Republican, 30 percent as Democrat and 33 percent as independent.

̢???It̢??‰?s important for the government to take action to strengthen clean energy standards," said Marie Roberts De La Parra, CEO of BMB Construction Properties in Alameda, Calif. ̢???Addressing environmental issues is an important aspect of our business, and the EPA's work promoting clean energy standards increases awareness of and interest in companies like mine that embrace eco-friendly practices. If lawmakers want to do what̢??‰?s best for small businesses, they will continue strengthening smart clean energy policies̢??‰۝not hinder agencies like the EPA from doing its job.̢????

While small businesses support McCarthy to lead the EPA, some lawmakers are attempting to delay her nomination or scratch it entirely due to partisan politics. Small businesses do not support this tactic. A whopping 68 percent believe Congress is doing a ̢???poor job̢???? of confirming nominees to lead federal government agencies in a timely manner so that government can function effectively. A 53 percent majority believes the president̢??‰?s nominations deserve a timely up or down vote and don̢??‰?t approve of the U.S Senate regularly holding up votes to confirm nominations to key government positions like judgeships and government agencies.

̢???When Congress holds up the confirmation process for government agencies like the EPA, it hinders their ability to function properly and do critical work that benefits small businesses, consumers and the economy,̢???? said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority. ̢???Small businesses understand that to survive in this tough economy they need to innovate, and the EPA̢??‰?s work fostering strong energy efficiency standards will assist them in doing so by helping them save money in their own business and creating new market opportunities. That̢??‰?s why they support a timely vote on the president̢??‰?s nominee to head the EPA and other agencies, so the government can continue to promote policies that will help small employers grow and create jobs.̢????

For the full report visit: http://www.smallbusinessmajority.org/small-business-research/clean-energy/support-for-clean-energy-standards-EPA.php

Click here to listen to the recording of the tele press conference.