New poll: La Crosse, Eau Claire areas represented by Rep. Kind rate climate provisions of infrastructure plan highly

Media Contacts

Proposal builds bridges across party lines in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District

Wisconsin Environment

MADISON, Wis. — A new poll released Tuesday revealed support for President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal across the political spectrum in Wisconsin’s 3rd  Congressional District. The district, represented by Rep. Ron Kind, follows the Mississippi River and spans almost the entire length of Western Wisconsin. This survey, sponsored by Wisconsin Environment, Earthjustice and Environment America, is the first to provide district-specific data on how voters view the American Jobs Plan (AJP).

On multiple measures, voters in the district clearly signal that components of the AJP that focus specifically on climate change and clean energy are a significant selling point. When told that the plan includes a major emphasis on investments to expand the use of clean energy, such as wind and solar power, to tackle the climate crisis and create jobs, 63 percent of voters in the 3rd District firmly say that this approach makes them more likely to support the AJP.

The poll found that overall, voters support the bill by a 54 percent to 37 percent margin. Fifty-nine percent of the all-important independent voters polled approve of the plan. Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed said Congress should pass the bill if a bipartisan majority of the U.S. public supports it, even if Congress does not reflect that bipartisanship.

Among the specific provisions designed to address the climate crisis:

  • 82 percent of voters in the 3rd District support overhauling our country’s drinking water infrastructure.

  • 78 percent of voters support investments to rebuild roads and bridges and modernize public transportation to ensure it is cleaner and able to serve more people.

  • 74 percent of voters support bringing more clean energy to rural Wisconsin.

  • 69 percent of voters support investments in clean energy such as wind and solar power by extending tax credits to spur innovation and manufacturing.

  • 68 percent of voters support provisions that call for the use of more clean energy, reduce carbon pollution from vehicles, and make homes and buildings more energy efficient.

  • 59 percent of voters support investments in electric vehicles and charging stations to reduce pollution and help more Americans buy clean cars.

“Wisconsin has been hit hard by the climate crisis and the societal devastation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Megan Severson, Wisconsin Environment state director. “We’re already experiencing new records for high temperatures and more intense storms. The American Jobs Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in what matters and tackle the climate crisis, and this data demonstrates that Wisconsinites support President Biden’s plan to build back better.”

The polling reflects a desire among those in the district to address more than one pressing issue facing America at once, according to BlueGreen Alliance Midwest Regional Field Organizer Richard Diaz.

“The American people want Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan,” he said. “The plan is truly historic and will create millions of high-quality, union jobs across the country while tackling the climate crisis. This is a win-win, and Wisconsinites know it. The investments in this plan would mean a return to a proud, vibrant manufacturing sector in the state, improved infrastructure, and cleaner air and water for all.”

The federal plan will also provide important direction for those at the state level.

“The American Jobs Plan shows clear intent by the Biden administration to lead by example with a bold agenda of investment in resilient infrastructure and clean energy that bring job creation and new opportunities for all Americans, while protecting vulnerable communities and wildlife,” said Jeremy Gragert, Eau Claire resident and Wisconsin outreach consultant for the National Wildlife Federation.

The survey was conducted via live telephone conversations between May 10 and May 13 by Hart Research Associates. A memorandum outlining the full results of the survey is included with this press release. 

###

Topics