A new survey shows that large majorities of Americans are "concerned" and "very concerned" about rising energy and gas prices. In addition, the poll shows that 52% of voters want Congress and President Joe Biden to focus on expanded oil and gas drilling while only 34% want them to focus on battling climate change.
In the April 28-May 2 survey, Rasmussen Reports and the Heartland Institute interviewed 1,004 "likely voters."
Among the questions asked was, "In your opinion, which of the following policy objectives should Congress and President Biden focus on more – increasing oil and gas drilling to help reduce energy prices or limiting carbon dioxide emissions in an attempt to reduce climate change?"
In response, 52% of voters said "Congress and President Joe Biden should focus more on increasing oil and gas drilling to help reduce energy prices" while only 34% said "the policy focus should be more on limiting carbon dioxide emissions in an attempt to reduce climate change," reported Rasmussen.
In addition, "While 74% of Republicans and 54% of voters not affiliated with either major party believe increased oil and gas drilling should be the policy focus, 54% of Democratic voters want the president and Congress to focus more on reducing climate change," said the polling group.
Another question asked was, "How concerned are you about rising energy and gasoline prices?" In response, 82% of likely voters said they were "concerned," including 60% who said "very concerned."
"Only 14% aren’t concerned about the rising price of energy," reported Rasmussen.
The survey firm also reported, "Sixty percent (60%) favor a law that would dramatically increase oil and gas drilling in the United States, including 47% who would Strongly Favor such a law. Thirty percent (30%) would oppose a law to increase drilling, while 11% are not sure."
H. Sterling Burnett, director of the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at the Heartland Institute, said of the survey, “When push comes to shove, polls consistently show energy and economic security trump climate change for a majority of the public when asked which is more important."
"Oil and gas remain, for the foreseeable future, vital to maintaining our present standard of living and lifestyles and to ensure continued economic and national security," added Burnett. "This Heartland/Rasmussen poll indicates the public understands that fundamental fact.”
Rasmussen also reported, "Majorities of every racial group – 62% of whites, 54% of black voters, 57% of Hispanics, and 60% of other minorities – favor a law that would dramatically increase oil and gas drilling in the United States. Seventy-six percent (76%) of Republicans and 57% of unaffiliated voters also favor such a law, but only 46% of Democrats would favor a law dramatically increasing U.S. drilling."