Amid the generally abysmal reporting of public opinion on climate policy, the results of a December 2009 poll commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation offers some actual information. The poll found overwhelming public support for federal legislation that would set firm limits on greenhouse gas emissions, thus stimulating massive private investments in clean energy technologies. Sixty-seven percent of registered voters polled think global warming is happening. Eighty-two percent of voters polled support the U.S. government "increasing investment in clean energy sources" and 67 percent support the U.S. government "limiting carbon pollution and other gases that may cause global warming." The poll was conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group from December 12-15, 2009.

To quote from the poll results:

Two-thirds of U.S. registered voters (67 percent) believe global warming is happening, and just 31 percent do not think global warming is happening. While there are partisan differences, Democrats and Independents acknowledge global warming by overwhelming margins but Republicans are significantly less united in their skepticism.

• Among Democrats: 91 percent  believe global warming is happening, 8 percent don't
• Among Independents: 64 percent believe, 32 percent don't
• Among Republicans: 43 percent believe, 54 percent don't

Voters also demonstrate a strong desire to limit carbon pollution and move towards clean energy.

• 82 percent of voters (and 80 percent of Independents) support the U.S. government "increasing investment in clean energy sources."
• 67 percent of voters (and 67 percent of Independents) support the U.S. government "limiting carbon pollution and other gases that may cause global warming."
• 66 percent of voters (and 63 percent of Independents) support "signing an international treaty to commit to addressing global warming - as long as countries like China and India do as well."

Read a full summary of the results.