The first Energy Learning Curve ™ report, released in association with Planet Forward, finds the American people reaching common ground on at least 10 major energy proposals, particularly on alternative energy. But the public may not yet be prepared for the tradeoffs and challenges needed to make these proposals a reality.

Despite consensus on certain solutions, misconceptions and lack of knowledge hinder informed judgment. For example, half of all Americans could not identify a renewable energy source, such as solar energy or wind power, and nearly 4 in 10 could not name a fossil fuel.

We also identified four broad clusters of public opinion based on their attitudes, values and knowledge; the Anxious (40 percent), the Greens (24 percent), the Disengaged (19 percent) and the Climate Change Doubters (17 percent). The steep learning curve required for all four groups poses challenges for policymakers.

This is the first of a series of reports designed to measure the public's "learning curve" as Americans grapple with the energy challenge. The report is also available at Planet Forward, an innovative web-to-television-to-web initiative produced by the Public Affairs Project of The George Washington University, designed to advance the discussion on energy and climate change with both citizens and leaders submitting their ideas. Additional findings from the survey will be released on the Planet Forward television premiere, scheduled for 8 p.m. on April 15th on PBS (check local listings for exact show times in your area).