Energy Policy of The United States - Public Opinion

Public Opinion

The US results from the 1st Annual World Environment Review, published on June 5, 2007 revealed that:

• 74% are concerned about climate change.
• 80% think their Government should do more to tackle global warming.
• 84% think that the US is too dependent on fossil fuels.
• 72% think that the US is too reliant on foreign oil.
• 79% think that the US Government should do more to increase the number of hybrid cars that are sold.
• 67% think that the US Government should allow more off shore drilling.

An April CBS News/New York Times poll collected a wide range of data that demonstrates the public’s desire for serious action on global warming. By an almost two-to-one margin (63 percent to 32 percent), the public endorses the idea that protecting the environment is so important that “requirements and standards cannot be too high” and that “continuing environmental improvements must be made regardless of cost.”

The public is also quite clear on its priorities when it comes to promoting energy conservation versus increasing the supply of oil, coal, and natural gas. When asked which of these should be the higher priority, the public chooses energy conservation by a very wide 68 percent-to-21 percent margin.

The public also predominantly believes that the need to cut down on energy consumption and protect the environment means increased energy efficiency should be mandated for certain products. Ninety-two percent of Americans now support such requirements.