Clean energy

Opinion polling shows Nevada small business owners believe government can play an important role in creating financial incentives that help small businesses take energy efficiency measures. A majority of six in 10 respondents say government investments in clean energy play an important role in creating jobs and boosting the economy, and about the same majority also supports standards to reduce carbon pollution and other emissions even if it means an increase in utility rates.

Small businesses account for a significant share of Pennsylvania’s economy. For every one large business in Pennsylvania, there are 246 small businesses diligently working to reenergize the state’s economy: Small firms make up 98.3% of the state’s employers. These entrepreneurs are doing everything they can to hire, grow and move their businesses and the state’s economy forward. As part of these efforts, recent scientific opinion polling shows that Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurs want pragmatic, innovative policies that help guide them into a competitive, modern clean energy economy. 

Small businesses account for a significant share of Michigan’s economy. For every one large business in Michigan, there are 266 small businesses diligently working to reenergize the state’s economy. These entrepreneurs are doing everything they can to hire, grow and move their businesses forward. As part of these efforts, recent scientific opinion polling shows that Michigan’s entrepreneurs want pragmatic, innovative policies that help guide them into a competitive, modern clean energy economy.

Small businesses account for a significant share of Ohio’s economy. For every one large business in Ohio, there are 236 small businesses diligently working to reenergize the state’s economy. Small firms make up 98.1% of the state’s employers. These entrepreneurs are doing everything they can to hire, grow and move their businesses and the economy forward. As part of these efforts, recent scientific opinion polling shows that Ohio’s entrepreneurs want pragmatic, innovative policies that help guide them into a competitive, modern clean energy economy. 

Small businesses account for a significant share of Virginia’s economy. For every one large business in Virginia, there are 50 small businesses diligently working to reenergize the state’s economy. These entrepreneurs are doing everything they can to hire, grow and move their businesses forward. As part of these efforts, recent scientific opinion polling shows that Virginia’s entrepreneurs want pragmatic, innovative policies that help guide them into a competitive, modern clean energy economy.

Small business owners across the country are working to rebuild our economy. These entrepreneurs, the engine of job creation, are doing everything they can to hire, grow and move their businesses forward. As part of these efforts, scientific opinion polling in six states— Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia—shows that America’s entrepreneurs want pragmatic, innovative policies that help guide them into a competitive, modern clean energy economy.

In the aftermath of the recession, small business owners are doing all they can to shift our economy back into gear. But many of them are still idling, if not completely stalled. To thrive and reach their full potential, small businesses need a more level economic playing field with large businesses—one that makes them better able to create jobs. Small business owners know robust economic policies aimed at leveling the playing field would strengthen their bottom lines and enhance their capacity to foster widespread economic growth.

Introduction 

America’s small business owners are doing all they can to outlast the condition of today’s economy. These hardworking employers know they need the right kind of help if they are to thrive. That’s why they believe immediate action is necessary to form bold clean energy policies that will prompt innovation, and in effect, stimulate small business and the economy.

In this tough economy, small business owners struggle just to keep their doors open, let alone turn a profit and create jobs. Nevertheless, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in small businesses, and they know that to thrive we must create new opportunities and change with the times, which explains why they favor raising fuel efficiency standards by huge margins—a step some people have wrongly described as a job killer.

California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, commonly referred to as AB 32, calls for substantial reductions in the state’s carbon emissions. The impact it will have on the economy, and particularly on small businesses, has spurred tremendous debate as the law is being implemented.