Table of Contents
Overview
The Kansas Common Sense Fund’s (KCSF) recent survey of 800 likely Kansas voters shows opinions around clean energy production are at a tipping point: Kansas voters see the many ways clean energy helps them. They are open to using more clean energy, but they have concerns about entirely abandoning fossil fuel energy, especially in rural communities.
As we look ahead to Kansas’ upcoming fights over energy permits, it’s critical we understand what these communities are experiencing, determine what truly drives concern, and identify how we can move them toward greater support.
Updated 7/16/25
Key Findings
- Kansas voters already support producing more clean energy in the state. Two-thirds of voters have a favorable view of clean energy.
- This support is strong across the state. Over half of Kansans in urban, suburban, and rural areas support clean energy. Even 47% of Republicans agree with most Democrats and independents in supporting increased clean energy production.
- A key challenge: Kansans don’t want to abandon traditional energy sources entirely. When asked to choose between expanding clean energy production and continuing to produce traditional/fossil fuel energy sources, Kansas voters are split. Many want to expand solar and wind production, but they also want to at least maintain the same level of coal, oil, and natural gas production.
- In this survey and previous research, Kansans are worried about the cost of living, including healthcare, childcare, groceries, and utility bills. We need to keep these concerns in mind when we talk about renewable energy.
What kinds of energy policies are voters most supportive of?
- Policies that help Kansas communities deal with extreme weather, like droughts and storms.
- Policies that improve energy efficiency and reliability, such as increasing storage projects and placing guardrails on data centers, are also quite popular.
- Voters support bringing new solar and wind projects to Kansas, and most don’t want rules that make it more difficult to turn unused land into wind and solar farms.
Message Guidance
- Use every opportunity to repeat that most Kansans support more clean energy. 67% of Kansas voters see the benefits of clean energy sources in our state.
- Emphasize that clean energy production will help the entire state. Kansans believe it will help future generations (70%), boost the economy (61%), make electricity more affordable (54%), and benefit Kansas farmers (55%).
- Brief, straightforward messages are best. Simple language and ideas with no “spin” appeal to Kansas voters.
- Connect clean energy to real-life benefits for Kansans. Remind Kansans that clean energy is good for their children—and future generations, saves them money, and supports the state economy.
- Remember rural Kansans. In messages, show how clean energy will increase rural jobs, land revenue, and farm income in rural communities. Say it plainly so they can see how it will help their towns.
- Appeal to the power that Kansans feel as individuals and within their families and communities. Encourage people to talk to their family, friends, and neighbors about how clean energy would benefit them.
Talking Points
- We don’t have to choose between a strong economy and a cleaner environment—Kansas can have both.
- The majority of Kansans support clean energy. It’s good for our families, our farmers, and our future generations.
- As Kansans, we care about leaving things better for our kids and grandkids. Expanding clean and renewable energy helps protect our land, grow our economy, and strengthen our state for the future.
- Kansas faces more extreme weather every day – like tornadoes, droughts, and wildfires. When a large storm knocks out power in your neighborhood, clean energy can help keep the power on and make our energy system stronger during extreme weather events.
- Kansas faces more extreme weather every day – like tornadoes, droughts, and wildfires. When a large storm knocks out power in your neighborhood, clean energy can help keep the power on and make our energy system stronger during extreme weather events.
- Clean energy means a safer, healthier, and stronger Kansas for generations to come.
- Storms, droughts, wildfires, tornadoes—we are seeing these events more and more. If we invest in clean and renewable energy, we can handle extreme weather better. We owe it to our children. It’s the right thing to do.
- Kansas can be a national leader in clean energy production. We can show the nation that clean energy means good jobs, a stronger economy, and a healthier workforce for future generations. We don’t have to choose between a strong economy and a cleaner environment. We can do both.
Values-Based Message
Building a Strong Message Start with Values
Shared Value
Growing up, we were taught that if we work hard, we can provide for our families.
Define the Problem
But that feels harder to do these days with the cost of everything – even our utilities – rising.
State our Position
That’s why we need to invest in clean energy, not reduce it. We can make our economy stronger and strenghten our state for future generations.
Remove Partisianship
It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or a small town, investing in clean energy will make Kansas safer, healthier and stronger for our kids and grandkids.
Social Media Kit
Suggested Copy:
As Kansans, we know how devastating tornadoes and storms can be to our communities. Clean energy, like wind and solar, can help us withstand extreme weather. Let’s do it for our kids.
Hashtags to use:
#cleanenergy #solar #wind
Suggested Copy:
The majority of Kansans support clean energy ‼️ It’s not a partisan issue—it’s just common sense.
Hashtags to use:
#cleanenergy
Suggested Copy:
Kansas farmers know that renewable energy isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for their bottom line. 💰💰💰 Clean energy helps power their farms and brings new investments into rural communities. It’s a win for everyone.
Hashtags to use:
#cleanenergy #rural
Suggested Copy:
We owe it to our children to build a better future. Renewable energy makes that possible—creating jobs, helping the environment, and pushing Kansas forward. Clean energy 🤝good for our kids.
Hashtags to use:
#cleanenergy #future #environment
Suggested Copy:
Kansas has a history of leading the way. Our state is perfect for wind 💨 and solar ☀️ energy. Let’s make our state a clean energy leader. It’s something we can be proud of for decades to come.
Hashtags to use:
#cleanenergy #innovation #wind #solar
Suggested Copy:
Kansas has a lot of sun and wind! ☀️💨 We can turn that into clean energy to power our homes and lower our bills. It’s a win for everyone.
Hashtags to use:
#cleanenergy #wind #solar
