Political polarization in support for subsidizing unprofitable coal power plants

Coal power plant-based energy production has declined dramatically since 2011, leading to calls from some politicians for government subsidies to support unprofitable coal power plants. This study is the first to use a nationally representative sample to assess American public support for subsidizing coal power plants. We find moderate public opposition overall along with a partisan divide, with liberal opposition and conservative support. In addition, messages that frame coal subsidies as contributing to air pollution vs. climate change do not have a differential effect on policy support, nor is there moderation by political ideology on the message frame. Finally, the level of political polarization around subsidizing coal power plants is similar in magnitude to public polarization around whether climate change should be a national priority - one of the most polarizing issues today. Overall, results suggest that policy proposals to subsidize coal power production, regardless of how they are framed, are likely to be acceptable to conservatives but draw liberal opposition.

Automated summary

The study found that there is moderate public opposition to subsidizing coal power plants in the United States, with a partisan divide showing liberal opposition and conservative support.