(Madison, WI) — Peter Barca, Chairman of Wisconsin Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future and former Democratic Congressman, appeared Sunday on WISN 12’s UPFRONT with Matt Smith to discuss new statewide polling showing strong Democratic and bipartisan support for natural gas as part of Wisconsin’s clean energy future.
During the interview, Barca highlighted findings from a recent survey of Wisconsin voters showing that affordability, reliability, and a pragmatic transition away from coal are top priorities for Democrats and independents alike. He emphasized voters reject false choices between climate progress and protecting working families from higher energy costs.
“For our future, to have a reliable and affordable energy grid, we need a mix of clean energy sources,” Barca said.
Barca discussed how the poll shows Democrats overwhelmingly support natural gas as part of a balanced energy mix, particularly as the state works to retire coal plants, support manufacturing and agriculture, and meet growing electricity demand. He also noted voter skepticism toward rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates that ignore cost and reliability impacts.
The appearance follows the release of a new Wisconsin poll conducted by MAD Global Strategy on behalf of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, which found:
- Nearly 7 in 10 Wisconsin voters, including strong majorities of Democrats, hold a favorable view of natural gas
- Voters overwhelmingly prioritize affordability and reliability over ideological energy mandates
- Strong bipartisan support for using natural gas to accelerate the transition away from coal
The full interview aired Sunday on WISN 12’s UPFRONT with Matt Smith and can be viewed here.
