(WBEN) - New poll numbers show New Yorkers are warming up to the idea of new buildings going all-electric.
A new Siena research poll shows that 49% of New Yorkers approve of, and 40% of New Yorkers oppose a mandate that all new buildings use electricity instead of gas for heating and cooking by 2028.
The numbers continue to show a big divide on the issue with 63% of New York City respondents approving of the plan, but only 36% of Upstate respondents giving it a thumbs up. The poll did not ask about the State proposal to mandate existing structures replace gas-powered appliances and heating equipment with an electric alternative by 2030.
"Interestingly, there is a very big divide by age," said Siena Pollster Steve Greenberg. "Voters under the age of 35 support it more than 2 to 1. But voters 55 and older oppose it 51% to 39%.
There was more widespread support shown for Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal to give judges more discretion to set bail for offenders accused of serious crimes. Despite Democrats in the Assembly and Senate not going for that idea, 72% of New Yorkers support it.
The poll also shows 58% support for banning flavored tobacco products, and opposition for both providing health insurance for undocumented immigrants and a SUNY tuition increase.
RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE:
The poll also shed some light on New Yorkers' attitude on the 2024 Presidential Election.
A majority of Republicans, 52%, say they would vote for Donald Trump in a 2024 presidential primary, compared to 27% supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and 18% who want someone else.
"Among all New York Republicans... Trump leads DeSantis handily, 52-27%, with fewer than one in five Republicans preferring another candidate," said Greenberg. "Trump leads 54-30% with conservative Republicans and 40-24% with moderates, a third of whom want a candidate other than Trump or DeSantis."
On the Democratic side, it looks like New Yorkers would rather not see President Biden seek a second term.
"Only 43% of Democrats think their party should re-nominate Biden, while 51% prefer a 'different candidate,'" Greenberg said.
Biden's favorability rating is 48-45%, down from 54-43% last month. Only Democrats view him favorably, 74-22%, and approve of the job he's doing, 74-23%. A strong majority of independents and an overwhelming majority of Republicans view him unfavorably and disapprove of the job he's doing.
