There’s a major generation gap in the public’s concerns about the environment -- one that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel hopes to capitalize on in
“„Asked, for instance, to identify the top priority for U.S. energy policy, fully 65 percent of young people say the highest goal should be protecting the environment, while just 29 percent say the top goal should be to keep energy prices low.
“„For older Americans, the balance shifts steadily toward price. Those aged 30-49 also prioritize the environment (60 percent) over price (32 percent); but the numbers shift to 53 percent for the environment and 41 percent price for those aged 50-64. And with seniors, the priorities flip, with 47 percent picking price and just 40 percent the environment.
“„In an interview, Emanuel said that while it’s not possible to fundamentally reshape traditional turnout patterns, “at the margins” more young people could be inspired to vote by a legislative debate that shows Democrats committing to moving toward alternative energy and Republicans resisting the change. “It’s a way to get them engaged in the coming election,” he said. “They see it as being about the future, and less about energy policy.”