A Washington Post-ABC News poll released today has found that three quarters of respondents support more regulations on fossil fuel emissions.  Majority support for more government control over greenhouse gases was found amongst Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

In the same poll,respondents supported the Cap & Trade approach to regulations by 52%.  However support dwindled when respondents were asked if Cap & Trade would cause their electricity bill to increase by $25, dropping to 44%.  When posed with the prospect of a $10 increase, support for the method increased to 56%.

So once again, it’s clear that the public is ahead of politicians on the issue of emissions regulation.  And not just liberals mind you, regular people from across the political spectrum realize this is something that needs to be done now, not later. Fortunately, the House is finally about to vote on a major climate change bill featuring cap and trade provisions.  But as usual, the challenge will be to get the bill passed in the Senate - the place where good policy ideas go to either die or get filibustered.LINKS:

WaPo: Limits on Emissions Have Wide Support

ABC7: Poll finds that a majority of Americans support climate change regulation

Grist: What can we learn from polls on cap-and-trade?