The Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted for the Newton- based Civil Society Institute, a nonpartisan and nonprofit think tank that has conducted public opinion research into the attitude of Americans about energy-related issues.
The May 25-28, survey found that nine out of 10 state residents think it would be a good idea for Massachusetts to be "a national leader in using cleaner and renewable energy on a large scale by moving ahead with offshore wind power and other alternative-energy initiatives."
Little political variation was seen on this question with 90 percent of the state's conservatives, 93 percent of independents and 94 percent of liberals indicating that national leadership for Massachusetts on renewable energy would be a good idea.
"The notion that wind power and the other alternative energy sources are dividing lines in Massachusetts either in terms of politics or region, or both, is plainly mistaken and counterproductive for our state and for the nation," says Civil Society Institute President Pam Solo.
The new survey also found that solar power (93 percent), more conservation (90 percent), and wind power (88 percent) are all seen by Massachusetts residents as deserving greater emphasis "before we resort to adding more nuclear power."
