Poll Watch: Pew Research Survey on Energy Policies

Pew Research Survey on Energy Policies

As I read some possible government policies to address America’s energy supply, tell me whether you would favor or oppose each. Would you favor or oppose the government:

Allowing more offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters

• Favor 65% (58%)
• Oppose 31% (35%)

Increasing federal funding for research on wind, solar and hydrogen technology

• Favor 69% (68%)
• Oppose 26% (26%)

Promoting the increased use of nuclear power

• Favor 44% (39%)
• Oppose 49% (53%)

Giving tax cuts to energy companies to do more exploration for oil and gas

• Favor 46%
• Oppose 50%

Requiring better fuel efficiency for cars, trucks and SUVs

• Favor 78%
• Oppose 19%

Spending more on subway, rail and bus systems

• Favor 65%
• Oppose 31%

From what you’ve read and heard, do you favor or oppose a drilling method called fracking that is used to extract natural gas from underground rock formations?

Among adults who've heard a lot/little about fracking (63%)

• Favor 52%
• Oppose 35%

Right now, which ONE of the following do you think should be the more important priority for addressing America’s energy supply?

• Developing alternative sources, such as wind, solar and hydrogen technology 52% [63%]
• Expanding exploration and production of oil, coal and natural gas 39% [29%]

Survey of 1,503 adults was conducted March 7-11, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.0 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted November 3-6, 2011 are in parentheses. Results from the poll conducted February 22 - March 1, 2011 are in square brackets.