Americans' Views on Energy Sources Shift Amid Partisan Divides

A recent Pew Research Center survey conducted in March 2026 indicates a notable shift in Americans' energy preferences, particularly along partisan lines. The survey, which included 3,524 U.S. adults, was conducted amid rising energy costs and the U.S. military conflict with Iran.

Overall, 57% of Americans now prioritize the development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, a decrease from 79% in 2020. This decline is primarily driven by Republicans, whose support for renewables has dropped from 65% in 2020 to 28% in 2026. Conversely, 71% of Republicans now favor prioritizing fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. Democratic support for renewable energy remains high at 83%, though it has slightly declined in recent years.

Regarding the federal government's role in energy production, 65% of Americans advocate for policies that expand wind and solar energy. However, support for encouraging coal mining has increased by 7 percentage points since 2022, and support for oil and gas drilling has risen by 5 points. Notably, 36% believe the government should discourage coal mining, while 27% think it should be encouraged.

Partisan differences are evident in views on energy production. Republican support for government policies encouraging wind and solar energy has decreased from 54% in 2022 to 44% in 2026. In contrast, 85% of Democrats continue to support such policies. Support for fossil fuel production among Republicans has grown, with 62% favoring government encouragement of oil and gas drilling, up 11 points since January 2022, and 45% supporting coal mining, a 13-point increase over four years.

Perceptions of renewable energy's environmental impact have also shifted. The share of Republicans who view solar power as better for the environment has decreased by 14 percentage points over five years, and 29% now consider wind power worse for the environment, up 12 points from five years ago. Additionally, more Republicans perceive wind (44%) and solar (43%) energy as more expensive than other sources, and they are more likely to view these sources as less reliable.

These findings highlight the growing partisan divide in energy preferences and perceptions in the United States.