A new statewide survey shows more than two-thirds of Tennesseans believe new EPA controls on carbon emissions from coal and oil facilities will reduce pollution and help public health.
A poll of 600 Tennesseans by North Star Opinion Research in early June also found that 80 percent of the respondents support increasing the use of renewable energy.
The poll found 50 percent of respondents thought electricity rates were too high, however, and coal supporters insist carbon limits could push up the cost of energy.
Susan Richardson Williams, a former TVA director and Tennessee Republican Party chairman, said she was "very pleased" that more than 62 percent of Republicans surveyed and 68 percent of all respondents think it is a good idea for Tennessee power plants to reduce the amount of carbon they release.
Gas prices jump 6.5 cents
The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline jumped Tuesday in Chattanooga by 6.5 cents per gallon, according to AAA surveys of area service stations. Along Highway 153 in Hixson, some gas prices were up Tuesday by more than 20 cents per gallon from where they were earlier this week.
The average price of fuel in Chattanooga rose Tuesday to nearly $3.14 a gallon. But that was still 9 cents a gallon cheaper than the same time a year ago and 30 cents a gallon below the U.S. average, AAA said.