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

Washington, DC - A scientific opinion poll released today shows Maine and New Hampshire entrepreneurs support the Environmental Protection Agency regulating carbon pollution and support the president̢??‰?s nominee to head the agency, Gina McCarthy. The poll also reveals the vast 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 scientific opinion poll, conducted April 12-14 by Public Policy Polling on behalf of Small Business Majority, found 64 percent of Maine and New Hampshire small businesses support the EPA regulating carbon pollution, and another 72 percent support setting standards for existing power plants, refineries and other major emitters. Seven in 10 agree expanded use of renewable energy sources can have economic benefits for small business owners and 72 percent 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.

̢???High energy costs are really a drain on my bottom line, and the work the EPA is doing around clean energy standards increases awareness of and interest in cutting edge technologies and practices, which encourage innovation and can help cut energy costs in the long run,̢???? said Nancy Clark, owner of the Glen Group in North Conway, NH. ̢???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.̢????

Maine and New Hampshire small businesses also support the woman tapped to take the EPA̢??‰?s reins. After learning of her qualifications, 62 percent supporting nominee Gina McCarthy, the agency̢??‰?s current air chief. The Senate is expected to vote in June on McCarthy̢??‰?s nomination. Given the partisan divide over environmental standards, it̢??‰?s important to note the political breakdown of respondents, with 28 percent identifying as Republican, 32 percent as Democrat and 40 percent as independent or other.

̢???Gina is a dedicated public servant who puts due process and public interest above politics and bureaucratic red tape,̢???? said former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift, for whom Gina McCarthy worked. ̢???That model of good governing should be respected by people of all political stripes. I hope the Senate follows her example by getting down to the business of governing and quickly confirming this well qualified nominee to lead the EPA.̢????

While small businesses support McCarthy to head the EPA, some lawmakers have been attempting to delay her nomination or scratch it entirely due to partisan politics. Small businesses in Maine and New Hampshire do not support this tactic. A whopping 74 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. And 64 percent believe 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.

̢???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/ME-NH-support-for-clean-energy-standards-EPA.php.

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