The successful passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act through the House dovetails with public support for cleaner energy practices.

A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that three-quarters of Americans believe the federal government should regulate the release of carbon into the atmosphere from power plants, cars, and factories to lessen global warming. The majority of those surveyed said they would support emissions management even if it required a small increase in utility costs, and most polled supported a cap-and-trade measure similar to that contained in the energy bill recently passed in the House.

Emissions regulation is considered a signature issue for the Obama administration and leaders in congress, as well as the centerpiece of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Despite claims that energy legislation is a partisan issue, the poll respondents in favor of carbon-limiting measures encompassed Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.