The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal that would cut carbon emissions by 30 percent nationwide, and a poll showed more Americans expressing concern about global warming.

Ahead of the EPA's proposal, ABC News and the Washington Post published a poll, revealing seven in 10 Americans polled view global warming as a "serious problem." The poll also suggested the concern was "enough to fuel broad support" for efforts on a federal level to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Respondents said they were fine if their energy costs increased due to federal efforts.

The poll revealed 70 percent supporting EPA regulations on carbon dioxide emissions reductions from existing power plants. The same 70 percent also support state-level efforts to limit emissions within their borders.

Follow the Latest Tech News on Twitter: @LatinPostTech

In addition to supporting EPA regulation, 63 percent of respondents did not oppose the idea of their energy costs increasing by $20 per month, and 33 percent held a contrary belief.

"The figure is hypothetical, meant to test attitudes about the possible cost of new regulations," the ABC News and Washington Post poll noted. "Actual cost impacts, if any, are a subject of sharp debate."

Also known as climate change, global warming was viewed as "very" serious by respondents with 83 percent.

Along political party lines, EPA regulation on limiting emissions was popular.

"Even among Republicans, a group generally more skeptical of government regulation -- and less apt to see global warming as a serious problem -- 63 percent nonetheless favor reducing power plant emissions, and 57 percent back state-level limits on greenhouse gases.

Democrats favored EPA regulations more, at 78 percent, and Independents 69 percent.

"Similarly, global warming is seen as a serious problem by half of conservatives overall and just 41 percent of people who describe themselves as very conservative. That compares with 74 percent among moderates and 87 percent among liberals. "

The poll's release coincided with the EPA's announcing carbon emissions cuts by 30 percent from the nationwide power sector.

"By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids," EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said. "We don't have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy environment -- our action will sharpen America's competitive edge, spur innovation and create jobs."

According to the EPA, the proposal could decrease electricity bills by approximately 8 percent and provide $93 billion in climate and public health benefits by 2030.

The ABC News and Washington Post poll, produced by Langer Research Associates, was conducted between May 29 and June 1 with a national sample of 1,002 English- and Spanish-speaking adults.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.