Declining Support for Renewable Energy Amid Rising Fossil Fuel Interest

In a significant shift in public sentiment, a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that support for renewable energy in the United States has diminished sharply over the past five years. The survey, which included responses from 5,085 U.S. adults between April 28 and May 4, 2025, indicates that while 79% of Americans favored expanding wind and solar production in 2020, that number has now plummeted to 60%. In contrast, support for fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and natural gas, has increased from 20% to 39% during the same period.

According to Brian Kennedy, a senior researcher at the Pew Research Center and co-author of the study, this decline in support for renewables reflects a broader political realignment since President Joe Biden took office. “This isn’t a new trend,” Kennedy stated, emphasizing that the dynamics of energy policy have been increasingly influenced by partisan divides.

Kenneth Gillingham, a professor of environmental and energy economics at Yale University, expressed his surprise at the survey's findings, attributing the shift to the intertwining of climate change and renewable energy issues with broader culture wars. Gillingham noted that historically, many prominent Republicans had supported renewable initiatives, but such positions are now perceived as disloyal to former President Donald Trump.

The survey results show a stark partisan split in energy preferences. Republican support for fossil fuels has surged from 35% in 2020 to 67% in 2025. Conversely, Democratic support for renewable energy has also waned, suggesting a more complex landscape where both parties are increasingly aligning with fossil fuel interests.

Notably, the survey identified some exceptions to the trend. Approximately 69% of respondents expressed support for offshore wind energy, a sector that Trump previously targeted for cuts. Additionally, there is a rising bipartisan consensus on nuclear power, with favorability among Republicans growing from 53% to 69% and among Democrats from 37% to 52%.

The implications of these changing attitudes towards energy sources are profound. Combustion of fossil fuels remains the leading contributor to climate change, and the increasing endorsement of fossil fuel expansion contradicts ongoing scientific warnings about environmental degradation. In light of this, Mike Murphy, a Republican consultant and advocate for electric vehicles, emphasized the need for proponents of clean energy to shift their messaging. Murphy argues that focusing on economic benefits and job creation, rather than environmental arguments, could depoliticize discussions around renewable energy technologies.

“Whenever electric cars are seen through a climate lens, their appeal narrows,” Murphy explained, illustrating a strategy to connect clean energy technologies with economic and national security rather than solely environmental narratives. This sentiment is echoed by Ben Prochazka, executive director of the Electrification Coalition, who noted that consumer support for electric vehicles remains strong once individuals experience them firsthand.

Despite the observed decline in support for renewable energy, Gillingham remains optimistic about the future of green technologies, citing the continued decrease in costs associated with renewable energy and battery technologies as a promising sign. “The continued decline in the price of renewable energy and battery technologies is a reason to continue to have hope that the worst impacts of climate change can be addressed,” he stated.

The changing landscape of energy policy and public opinion suggests that the United States may be at a crossroads regarding its energy future. While fossil fuel interests gain traction, the potential for renewable energy technologies to thrive remains contingent upon effective communication strategies that resonate with a polarized electorate. As the nation grapples with these issues, the conversation surrounding energy will undoubtedly continue to evolve, influenced by economic priorities and cultural narratives.