The state's controversial global warming law still has the support of a majority of Californians despite growing doubts about its potential impact on the economy, according to a Field Poll released Tuesday.
The poll shows 58 percent of registered voters support Assembly Bill 32, which will require significant reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions. The poll was commissioned by Next 10, a San Francisco nonprofit group that supports green technology and reducing gases blamed for global warming.
Next 10 released the survey as AB 32 is essentially fighting for its life; a conservative group, bankrolled by Texas oil companies, is pushing a ballot initiative to delay the law's implementation until the economy recovers.
This was first time the Field organization asked Californians specifically about AB 32. But some slippage in support for the ideas behind AB 32 was revealed in a companion question that's been asked in previous years.
Asked about global warming and the economy, 69 percent of those surveyed said they believe the state can reduce greenhouse gases "and expand jobs and economic prosperity at the same time."
That was down from 74 percent in 2008 and 83 percent in 2007.
Poll director Mark DiCamillo said the diminished support reflects anxiety over the economy. In 2007, when support for the law was higher, "people were bolder in venturing into new kinds of policies," he said in an interview.
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