Democrats Should Adjust Priorities to Support the Needs of Working-Class Americans and Avoid Progressive Priorities Like Electric Vehicle (EV) Investments
WASHINGTON, DC — As gas prices and inflation batter the American people, Centrist Democrats of America (CDA) released a survey of New Mexican's attitudes towards electric vehicles. The new poll, which surveyed 600 New Mexicans, highlights where Democrats should focus their priorities to better support working American families. Though 94% of respondents are either "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" about the high costs of gas and oil, only 5% say they are "very likely" to purchase an EV in the next two-to-three years.
In fact, when asked how Congress should prioritize spending, issues that were most appealing were funding for: "ending childhood hunger," "police training and hiring," "wind and solar energy," "fixing our roads and bridges," "more funding for public transportation" and coming in dead last among respondents was "more funding for increasing the number of electric vehicles."
"As we enter campaign season, this polling should inform candidates that New Mexicans are not enamored with electric vehicles (EVs), and do not think the government should be prioritizing government investments in the infrastructure to support the EV industry," said Hank Naughton, President of Centrist Democrats of America. "Democrats must focus on fighting for the working classes, and EVs remain mostly status symbols for wealthy Americans. I am pleased that the reconciliation legislation being promoted by Sen. Joe Manchin, known as the Deficit Reduction Act, includes price caps on EV tax breaks for both wealthy purchasers and expensive luxury EVs."
Topline findings from the survey:
- 81% of respondents are "somewhat" or "very concerned" about climate change and the effects on our planet
- 45% of respondents said that personally, high energy costs are "making it harder to make ends meet"
- Only 5% of respondents strongly support adding "an additional charge on people's electrical bill to help fund the building of charging stations for electric vehicles"
- For those unlikely to buy an EV in the next two years or more, expense was a top concern, followed by the hope their current vehicle will "last more than a couple of years" and that "there aren't enough charging stations for it to make sense right now"
- 40% of respondents believe the shift towards EVs is already happening, and additional federal investments are "not an effective use of taxpayer money"
Link to Survey:
About Centrist Democrats of America
Centrist Democrats of America (CDA) is a group dedicated to the principle that Democrats are most effective when they lead from the political center. CDA promotes respectful dialogue, sensible laws, fiscal responsibility, consumer protections and regulations that appeal to the broadest portion of the American people. CDA advocates for common sense public policies that advance the interests of the nation, and put the wellbeing of the American people ahead of politics, ideologies and party affiliation.