POLL: Majority of Pennsylvania Small Businesses Support EPA Standards Even if it Means Rise in Utility Costs

Opinion polling shows Pennsylvania small business owners support government investments in clean energy and believe such investments have an important role in creating jobs and boosting the economy, even if it means an increase in utility costs.

The poll, released today by Small Business Majority and conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, found 73 percent of small businesses say government investments in clean energy play an important role in creating jobs and boosting the economy. What's more, 55 percent of small employers in the state would support the Environmental Protection Agency regulating carbon pollution and other emissions even if it would cause an increase in utility rates.

Small business owners in Pennsylvania are eager for pragmatic energy policies that can help them develop new technologies and increase business opportunities, said John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. They understand that to survive in this tough economy they need creative solutions to curb costs and increase their competitive edge. These include continued government investments in clean energy and the enforcement of standards that reduce harmful emissions in their communities. Right now, giving small businesses the incentives and tools needed to drive job creation and increase market competitiveness should be a top priority.

Small businesses in the state even support continued government investment in clean energy technologies when asked specifically about Solyndra: 59 percent agree the failure of the company, which received a $535 million loan guarantee from the federal government,‰ doesn't mean the government should stop investing in renewable technologies.

Small business owners also demonstrated strong support for recently released Environmental Protection Agency standards that require new power plants to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. The vast majority, 76 percent, favor the EPA's rule that new power plants reduce previously unlimited emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide despite the fact that 62 percent say their business would be impacted.

When asked about the biggest problems facing their companies, Pennsylvania small businesses cite the rising cost of doing business, such as higher fuel and electricity costs (48 percent) and higher material and supply costs (46 percent). Government regulations was cited less than any other issue, with only 9 percent of small businesses saying government regulation is one of their two biggest problems.

While respondents indicated overall support for government investment in general, specific government actions are even more popular. Across the board, small business owners expressed overwhelming support for 14 separate actions the federal government could take to support moving to a clean energy economy. A strong majority showed support for programs such as establishing minimum recycling standards, offering tax credits and rebates for upgrades, creating a Green Bank and increasing fuel efficiency standards.

"At my restaurants, we make every effort to keep our operations energy efficient," said Ken Weinstein, owner of Trolley Car Diner and Trolley Car Cafe in Philadelphia. "In fact, our newest location features electric heating, solar light and solar water heating, rain barrels for watering plants and an innovative steam cooking method. All these things help minimize the company's use of energy, which saves us money. I would encourage all entrepreneurs to make their businesses more energy efficient, and I believe incentives for doing so can be very effective and helpful in offsetting costs."

Other findings from the poll include:

• 91 percent of respondents support EPA rules to reduce the emissions of mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel and acid gases from new and existing power plants.
• 77 percent of small business owners favor proposed rules to reduce smog and soot pollution that crosses state lines (the Good Neighbor Rule).
• 81 percent of Pennsylvania small business owners believe government should play an important role in creating financial incentives that encourage people to take energy efficiency measures, like installing energy efficient light bulbs. More than four in five business owners believe government should provide incentives through funding and policy efforts.
• Small business owners polled were politically diverse: 42 percent identified as Republican, 43 percent as Democrat, 9 percent as independent and 6 percent as other.

For more information visit: http://www.smallbusinessmajority.org/small-business-research/clean-energy/

Poll results in this statement represent findings from an Internet survey of 600 small businesses in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia. The poll was conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for Small Business Majority with a margin of error of +/- 4%.