Removing carbon, restoring trust: public perceptions of industry and community roles in U.S. carbon dioxide removal policy

Abstract

In a nationally representative survey (N = 1,488), I examine public perceptions of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) governance, justice, moral hazard, and the role of the fossil fuel industry in transitioning towards net-negative emissions. Qualitative coding reveals cost and misplaced financial responsibility as the most common concern, followed by doubts about CDR’s effectiveness and distrust towards industry profit motives. The most frequently cited benefit was direct job creation, followed by improved air quality, and long-term climate change benefits. I find that public support for CDR policies is significantly influenced by partisan and sectoral endorsements, with environmental NGOs bolstering support overall but sometimes reducing support among Republicans. The public shows no evidence of identifying the risk of moral hazard among policymakers supportive of CDR. Strong preferences emerge for policies that hold polluting industries accountable for their CO2 emissions, public over private ownership, and significant community engagement in CDR projects, reflecting a demand for transparent and equitable CDR governance.