The political environment for corporate climate action has shifted significantly. Companies have faced pressure to pull back from public commitments, abandon ambitious targets, and stay quiet on issues where they once spoke with confidence. Against that backdrop, maslansky + partners — commissioned by C2ES and Potential Energy Coalition — surveyed 2,000 U.S. voters to answer a simple but consequential question: what do Americans actually think?
In September 2026, C2ES, with maslansky + partners and Potential Energy Coalition, published insights from a study of 2,000 voters across the U.S. reflecting a representative range of political affiliations, ages, and incomes. An in-depth analysis of these consumer attitudes revealed something surprising: despite increased political polarization and a challenging regulatory environment, the American public still supports the business case for climate action.
Here’s what executives need to know.
of American voters believe it’s smart business for companies to limit their climate impact.
characterize corporate climate retreat as “opportunistic” or “wrong.”
say they are more likely to support a company that uses clean energy or that’s reducing its climate pollution.
For companies navigating the current political context, the research suggests a strategic path forward: continue the work, broaden the frame, and ground your communications in the business logic that has always underpinned the strongest climate commitments. This report details findings from a survey of 2,000 American voters and what executives need to know about communicating corporate climate action.
Frame climate action as responsible risk management and operational efficiency—the approach that resonates most broadly and does the heavy lifting across political divides. This positioning naturally de-politicizes the issue. Even climate-skeptical Republicans respond to arguments grounded in long-term cost savings and strategic planning. The toughest critics will listen to the business case; they won’t listen to moral arguments.
Americans worry that climate action will drive(up prices in the near term. But theyˇre also open(to evidence that the long-term economics favor investment in efficiency and clean operations. Importantly, this openness extends to skeptics: 35% of climate-skeptical Republicans acknowledge the long-term cost savings argument. Companies positioned to win the narrative explain lifecycle costs honestly, distinguish between near-term investments and long-term savings, and don’t pretend costs don’t exist.
The American public are watching not just what companies say about climate, but whether they follow through. Unlike those who maintain clear positions, companies perceived as backing down face notable customer scrutiny and risks to not just credibility, but sales. Customers are watching to see if companies have the courage to follow through, and consistency builds trust.
Americans can distinguish between environmental responsibility and partisan activism. Positioning climate action as the former—grounded in business logic, operational efficiency, and appropriate investment back into communities—can maintain credibility. The data shows this works with Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, including those more skeptical on climate.
The original business case for climate action remains intact. Maintaining support for those actions requires clear, consistent communication rooted in business logic instead of moral appeals. In a polarized environment, corporate retreat reads as weakness and opportunism—and Americans across the political spectrum say they’re willing to punish it. Conversely, companies that maintain principled positions grounded in smart business strategy are seen as leaders worthy of customer loyalty.
Join C2ES alongside maslansky + partners and Potential Energy Coalition on September 30, 2026, for a webinar where we will dive deep into the findings from the survey. Researchers will explain the results of our survey—including how nearly 7 in 10 Republicans view limiting climate impact as ‘smart business’—and offer key insights about what they mean for company leaders looking to communicate on climate.
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