From Rasmussen comes a lot of interesting data about likely voters’ views of government subsidies for so-called “green” energy alternatives. Voters believe in the free market. Roughly two out of three — 64% — understand that if a firm can’t attract private investors, government subsidy is likely to be wasted.
Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Likely U.S. Voters think free market competition is more likely than government subsidies and regulation to help the United States develop alternative sources of energy. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% believe government subsidies and regulations are the better way to go. Sixteen percent (16%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
But then 71% of voters say private sector companies and investors are better than government officials when it comes to determining the long-term benefits and potential of new technologies. Sixty-four percent (64%) think it’s likely that if a private company which cannot find investors gets funding from the government, that money will be wasted.
For more on the debacle that is the “green” economy, go here.