Minnesota Environmental Partnership 2013 Minnesota Environmental Priorities Survey

Minnesota Environmental Partnership 2013 Minnesota Environmental Priorities Survey Key Findings from Interviews Conducted January 6 -8, 2013 220 -3590

Methodology § 500 telephone interviews with registered Minnesota voters ü Interviews conducted between January 6 -8, 2013 ü Interviews on both landlines and cell phones § Margin of sampling error of +/- 4. 4% § Bipartisan research team of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R) § Comparisons to prior MEP statewide surveys dating back to 2002 § Selected findings from survey research in Minnesota conducted in January 2012 and February 2010 by the Re. AMP coalition; in October 2012 by Mining Truth; and nationally in June 2012 by NRDC § Some percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding 1

Regional Definitions NORTHEAST Kittson Roseau Lake Of The Woods NORTHWEST Marshall Koochiching Pennington Beltrami Cook Red Lake Polk Clearwater Norman Lake Mahnomen Hubbard Cass Becker Clay Wadena Crow Wing Otter Tail Wilkin Todd Morrison Grant Douglas Traverse Stevens Pope Stearns Big Stone Swift Kandiyohi. Meeker Lac Qui Parle Chippewa Yellow Medicine SOUTH St Louis Itasca Lincoln Lyon Renville Redwood Brown Pipestone. Murray Rock Nobles Aitkin Mille Lacs Kanabec Carlton Pine Benton Isanti Sherburne Chisago Anoka Wright Washington Ramsey Hennepin Mcleod Carver Scott Dakota Sibley Goodhue Nicollet Le Sueur Rice TWIN CITIES Wabasha Cottonwood. Watonwan. Blue Earth. Waseca. Steele Dodge Olmsted Jackson Martin Faribault Freeborn Mower Winona Fillmore Houston 2

The Political Context 3

The outlook in Minnesota continues to improve. Generally speaking, do you think that things in your part of Minnesota are on the right track or on the wrong track? Party ID Right Track 60% DK/NA 12% Right Track Wrong Track 28% Q 3. Wrong DK/NA Track Democrat 82% 9% 9% Independent 46% 34% 20% Republican 40% 48% 12% 4

“Right direction” is at its highest level since 2004. Generally speaking, do you think that things in your part of Minnesota are on the right track or on the wrong track? Right track 70% 61% 59% 60% 59% 53% 52% Wrong track 60% 55% 40% 20% 32% Right track Wrong track DK/NA 34% 29% 32% 23% 18% 10% 0% 54% 47% 50% 30% DK/NA 2002 59% 23% 18% 8% 7% 2003 52% 40% 8% 2004 61% 32% 7% Q 3. 13% 12% 13% 2005 53% 34% 13% 2006 59% 29% 12% 2007 55% 32% 13% 52% 45% 40% 36% 38% 30% 17% 2008 47% 36% 17% 16% 2009 54% 30% 16% 28% 15% 2010 45% 40% 15% 11% 12% 2012 52% 38% 11% 2013 60% 28% 12% 5

Clean Energy 6

Minnesotans clearly prefer an energy strategy that prioritizes renewables. Preferred Approach to Energy % Choosing Reducing our need for oil and coal by increasing energy efficiency and expanding our use of clean, renewable energy that can be generated in the US 67% Drilling and digging for more oil and coal wherever we can find it in the US 26% Both/Neither/DK/NA 7% 17. Which of the following do you think should be the highest priority for meeting Minnesota’s energy needs: 7

This is especially true among Democrats, but a plurality of Republicans also hold this opinion. Statements All Voters Dem. Ind. Rep. Reducing our need for oil and coal by increasing energy efficiency and expanding our use of clean, renewable energy that can be generated in the US 67% 87% 57% 46% Drilling and digging for more oil and coal wherever we can find it in the US 26% 9% 34% 42% 7% 4% 9% 12% Both/Neither/DK/NA 17. by Party 8

A preference for more use of renewables is shared across all regions of the state. Statements All Voters North. East North. West South Twin Cities Reducing our need for oil and coal by increasing energy efficiency and expanding our use of clean, renewable energy that can be generated in the US 67% 63% 65% 69% Drilling and digging for more oil and coal wherever we can find it in the US 26% 33% 29% 26% 22% 7% 4% 6% 9% 9% Both/Neither/DK/NA 17. by Region 9

Support for a wide range of proposals to promote clean energy and energy efficiency has been remarkably stable. Strng. Supp. *Strengthening residential and commercial building codes to require increased energy efficiency S. W. Supp. DK/NA Total Support 78% 9% 12% 72% 13% 14% 8% 77% S. W. Opp. Strng. Opp. . 43% 37% 41% 35% 36% *Providing incentives to increase the use of small-scale solar projects at the sites of homes and businesses, and public buildings . . . 42% 40% 35% 42% 10% 11% 7%9% 77% 82% *^Ensuring that 40% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources . . 40% 45% 39% 38% 36% 10% 5%9% 11% 78% 83% 75% *Increasing state government investment in the development of clean, renewable energy sources . . 39% 37% 35% 34% 38% 41% 10% 15% 13% 10% 9% 12% 73% 75% 76% . . . 38% 35% 37% 35% ^Phasing out older coal plants in Minnesota and replacing them with greater use of renewable energy and energy efficiency 0% 20% 40% 60% 12% 15% 13% 80% 75% 70% 100% 18. I would like to read you some ideas related to energy that might be proposed by people in Minnesota. P lease tell me whether it sounds like something you would support or oppose. ^Slightly Worded Differently/*Split Sample 10

We saw last spring that majorities support increased use of wind and solar. Strng. Sup. *Wind S. W. Sup. S. W. Opp. Strng. Opp. DK/NA Total Support 20% 6%7% 84% 13% 28% 6% 87% 10% 86% 8% 85% 14% 52% 46% 15% 54% 41% 64% *Solar 59% Hydropower 48% Natural gas 38% Nuclear 22% *Biomass 19% Coal 18% 0% 47% 30% 27% 21% 10% 5% 36% 20% 6% 6% 40% 12% 21% 38% 26% 60% 6% 15% 80% 5% Total Oppose 100% 5 a/b/c/d/e/f/i. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. *Split Sample 11

More than seven in ten voters back a 10 percent solar requirement. Some people have proposed requiring that Minnesota get at least 10 percent of its electricity needs from solar power by the year 2030. Does this sound like something you would favor or oppose? Strongly favor 40% Somewhat favor 34% Somewhat oppose 10% Strongly oppose 14% Don’t Believe/DK/NA Total Favor 74% Total Oppose 24% 3% 0% 15% Q 19. Split Sample 30% 45% 60% 12

Democrats, Independents and Republicans support a 10 percent solar requirement… Some people have proposed requiring that Minnesota get at least 10 percent of its electricity needs from solar power by the year 2030. Does this sound like something you would favor or oppose? All Voters Dem. Ind. Rep. 74% 93% 66% 54% Strongly Favor 40% 53% 34% 25% Somewhat Favor 34% 39% 32% 29% Total Oppose 24% 6% 31% 42% DK/NA 3% 1% 3% 3% Response Total Favor Q 19. Split Sample by Party 13

…as do at least two-thirds of voters in every part of the state. Some people have proposed requiring that Minnesota get at least 10 percent of its electricity needs from solar power by the year 2030. Does this sound like something you would favor or oppose? Response Total Favor All North. Voters East North. West South Twin Cities 74% 87% 67% 72% 75% Strongly Favor 40% 55% 30% 47% 37% Somewhat Favor 34% 32% 37% 25% 38% Total Oppose 24% 13% 27% 25% 24% DK/NA 3% 0% 6% 3% 2% Q 19. Split Sample by Region 14

Most voters would be willing to pay a little extra on their energy bills to promote clean energy and energy efficiency. Which of the following is the MOST you would be willing to pay per month on your electric bill in order promote clean energy and energy efficiency? Total $6 and Up 56% Q 15. 15

Voters of all parties are willing to pay more for clean energy and energy efficiency. Willingness to Pay by Party Identification (% of Sample) (33%) (42%) (24%) Q 15. Which of the following is the MOST you would be willing to pay per month on your electric bill in order promote clean energy and energy efficiency? 16

Clarifying the monthly cost impact of the requirement has no impact on support. Does this sound like something you would favor or oppose? Strng. Fav. S. W. Fav. Don't Bel. /DK/NA S. W. Opp. Strng. Opp. 74% Initial 40% 10%/ $1 per Month 24% 34% 10% 14% 73% After Cost Info 42% 0% 20% Q 19/Q 20 & Q 21/Q 22. Split Sample 24% 31% 40% 60% 14% 80% 100% 17

Research last year also showed that voters believe increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects will create new jobs. Which of the following comes closer to your point of view: Energy efficiency projects like weatherizing and insulating buildings, and upgrading appliances and technology in homes and businesses …. Which of the following comes closer to your point of view: Increasing the use of clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power… Will create new jobs 72% Will not affect jobs 65% 18% Will cost jobs 21% 6% 9% 4% All/None/DK 0% 4% 20% 40% Q 9/10. 60% 80% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 18

Candidate profiles that emphasize health and job creation are the top-ranked among all voters. (HEALTH) One candidate says that using more clean energy sources and being more energy efficient will give us healthier air, reduce asthma and lung disease, and ultimately save lives. That’s why many medical and health groups, like the American Lung Association, support efforts to transition to cleaner energy. (BOLD ACTION) One candidate says investing in clean energy means more than just wind and solar power – it means new clean and efficient vehicles, and energy-efficient equipment, technology, and infrastructure. It means creating jobs in design, manufacturing, construction, and many other fields across our economy. This is the kind of bold action we need to get our economy growing again. (CREATING JOBS) One candidate says that our state already employs thousands of people in clean energy jobs, from engineers to construction workers to port workers to administrative assistants. These are jobs that pay a living wage, and many cannot be outsourced. Encouraging use of clean energy, will continue to create more local jobs. (STATE INVESTMENTS) One candidate says major state investments in clean energy, efficiency, transit and infrastructure can improve communities, help households and small businesses save money, and generate more private investment. Acting now on clean energy can help our towns and cities, build local jobs, and improve our quality of life. 82% 85% 83% 16 c/e/f/j. Here are some statements that a candidate for State Legislature might offer about energy issues in your state. Please tell me whether you would view the candidate making that statement more favorably or less favorably. Split Sample 19

Conservation Funding and Defense 20

Two-thirds of voters believe that environmental laws should be toughened or better-enforced. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view of government regulations of the environment in Minnesota? Environmental laws need to be made tougher 22% Environmental laws are tough enough but they need better enforcement 45% Both environmental laws and enforcement are at the right levels 18% Environmental laws are too tough and should be loosened up 11% DK/NA 5% 0% Q 5. Total Made Tougher or Better Enforced: 67% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75% 21

Seven in ten voters also express concern about rollbacks of laws to protect the environment. Rollbacks of laws that protect our land, air and water Very concerned 29% 41% Somewhat concerned Not too concerned 16% 9% Not at al concerned Total Concerned 70% Total Not Too/Not Concerned 25% 4% DK/NA 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 4 d. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned about each of the following: Rollbacks of laws that protect our land, air and water. 22

Introduction of Proposal to Shift Amendment Funding I would like to ask you about a state constitutional amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008. It increased the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent to provide dedicated funding for clean water, land protection, and wildlife habitat, arts education and parks and trails. Some legislators may propose using money from the amendment to replace funding for existing water and land conservation programs in the state budget. 23

As we have seen in prior years, seven in ten voters resolutely support using the amendment to enhance conservation funding. Statements 2009 2010 2012 2013 In these tough economic times, elected officials must be reminded that we want to protect Minnesota's Great Outdoors for the long-term. We must not let elected 70% 66% 71% 70% officials raid constitutionally dedicated conservation funds to solve short-term state budget problems. Given the state’s budget crisis, it is appropriate for state legislators to use money from this amendment to 21% 25% prevent cuts to existing programs to protect water and land Given tough economic times, it is appropriate for state legislators to use money from this amendment to 24% 25% prevent cuts to existing programs to protect water and land Both/Neither/DK/NA 9% 9% 5% 4% 7. I am going to read you two statements about this issue. Please tell me which one comes closest to your own view, even if neither of the statements matches your views exactly. 24

Nearly nine in ten voters would prefer to see amendment dollars allocated by need, rather than by population. Funding for land protection and wildlife habitat should be distributed wherever in Minnesota it will benefit natural 1 areas and wildlife habitat the most, even if it is farther away from where most people live 85% OR Funding for land protection and wildlife habitat should be designated for protecting natural areas and wildlife 2 habitat close to where the most people live, even though it may result in less habitat being protected 12% 3 Both/Neither/DK/NA 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 9. This next question deals only with the portion of the amendment funds set aside for Land Protection and Wildlife Habitat. Please tell me which of the following statements comes closest to your opinion. Split Sample 25

That sentiment holds equally true in both urban and rural areas. Preference for Distribution of Amendment Dollars, By County 11 Largest Others Counties Statements Funding for land protection and wildlife habitat should be distributed wherever in Minnesota it will benefit natural areas and wildlife habitat the most, even if it is farther away from where most people live 89% 81% Funding for land protection and wildlife habitat should be designated for protecting natural areas and wildlife habitat close to where the most people live, even though it may result in less habitat being protected 9% 16% Both/Neither/DK/NA 2% 3% 9. This next question deals only with the portion of the amendment funds set aside for Land Protection and Wildlife Habitat. Please tell me which of the following statements comes closest to your opinion. Split Sample 26

Clean Water 27

Prior to a series of policy questions, survey respondents were given some background on the current state of water pollution in Minnesota. Currently, 40% of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams that are tested do not meet basic health standards. The top cause of this is nonregulated run-off and pollution from agriculture. 28

Voters strongly believe that water quality funding should be focused on the most effective projects… I am going to read you several pairs of statements about water pollution caused by farms in Minnesota. Please choose the statement that comes closest to your opinion. State funding to improve water quality should be focused on the most effective projects to reduce pollution, wherever they are located 67% OR State funding to improve water quality should be spread evenly throughout the state, and not just to areas with the most pollution Q 10 c. ½ Sample 28% 29

Support for sulfide mining has dropped dramatically since last year. As you may know, new mines are being proposed near the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior. These are different from the traditional Minnesota iron ore mines. These new sulfide mining operations would be used to extract copper, nickel, and other precious metals from underground rock formations containing sulfur. Based on this description, would you favor or oppose these new mines? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15% 24% 23% 24% Total Favor 39% Total Oppose 48% 14% 0% 15% 30% Q 13. (*2012 Language slightly different. ) 45% 60% 30

There has been a steady decline in support for sulfide mining since 2009. Total Favor 66% 70% 59% Total Oppose DK/NA 62% 60% 52% 50% 35% 40% 30% 20% 19% 48% 39% 24% 20% 21% 10% 0% Total Favor Total Oppose DK/NA 2008 59% 20% 21% 15% 14% 13% 14% 2009 66% 19% 15% 2010 62% 24% 14% 2012* 52% 35% 13% 2013 39% 48% 14% 13. . Based on this description, would you favor or oppose these new mines? /Do you favor or oppose sulfide mining in Minnesota? (*Language slightly different. ) 31

The same pattern is evident when we narrow our focus to “strong” supporters and opponents. Strongly Favor Strongly Oppose 50% 40% 33% 36% 28% 19% 20% 14% 10% 0% Strongly Favor Strongly Oppose 9% 8% 2008 28% 9% 2009 33% 8% 2010 36% 14% 24% 15% 17% 2012* 19% 17% 2013 15% 24% 13. . Based on this description, would you favor or oppose these new mines? /Do you favor or oppose sulfide mining in Minnesota? (*Language slightly different. ) 32

Voters continue to back various restrictions on sulfide mining. Acidic or toxic pollution released into the environment during the operation of these mines has the potential to pollute drinking water. Here a series of ideas that have been proposed to help prevent damage from sulfide mines. Please tell me whether each sounds like something you would favor or oppose. Total Favor. Strng. Fav. S. W. /Strng. Opp. DK/NA Requiring sulfide mine operators, before they begin construction, to put up necessary cash to prevent pollution during operation, closure, and post-closure of the mine . . . 60% Requiring better enforcement of existing regulations on mine operators, and resisting. . . attempts to weaken these regulations. 56% 65% . . . Establishing tougher regulations on mining to be certain that Minnesota’s land water are. . . protected. Requiring that before being allowed to mine in Minnesota, companies first prove that a similar mine has been operated elsewhere without contaminating the local rivers, lakes, and streams for at least ten years after closure Q 15. . 0% 89% 25% 11% 5% 85% 30% 12% 86% 13% 6% 81% 56% 29% 12% 85% 56% 28% 14% 84% 52% . . . 9% 20% 28% 40% 60% 17% 80% 100% 33

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