Poll: Gas prices not changing public views

Press release from local pollster Bob Moore:

Despite gas prices reaching record levels, voters have not significantly changed their views about how to reduce the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Furthermore, increasing gas prices do not appear to have a major impact on views about oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Yet the idea that nuclear energy does not contribute to global warming increases support for this as an energy option, according to the findings from our April national survey of voters.

Following are the details.

Reducing Reliance on Foreign Oil

When it comes to ideas for reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil sources, voters are most likely to favor allowing more drilling in and around the U.S. (30%) and some form of government investment in alternative energy sources (29%). We asked a similar question in February 2007, and the results are not significantly different.

“As you may know, the United States depends on foreign countries for oil. In your opinion, which one of the following is the best way to reduce our reliance on foreign oil?”

Allow more drilling for oil and gas in the U.S., Alaska and off the coasts
Feb 2007 — 26%
Apr 2008 — 30%

Government investment in alternative energy sources
Feb 2007 –29%
Apr 2008 –29%

Tax incentives for energy companies who invest in alternative energy sources
(2007 wording: credits)
Feb 2007 –14%
Apr 2008 –10%

Tax incentives for consumers who practice conservation and recycling
(2007 wording: increase requirements on)
Feb 2007 –10%
Apr 2008 –9%

Permit more nuclear power plants
Feb 2007 –4%
Apr 2008 –8%

Impose stricter mileage standards to increase fuel efficiency
Feb 2007 –9%
Apr 2008 –6%

For more on the poll click here