Poll: U.S. Energy Concerns Low; Increasing Supply Not a Priority

Americans’ concern about energy, based on multiple measures, is at or near its lowest level in two decades, with just 25% of Americans saying they worry “a great deal” about the availability and affordability of energy. Diminished concern about the U.S. energy situation has likely led fewer Americans to prioritize energy production — namely, from oil, gas and coal — over environmental protection. Currently, 34% say the U.S. should give a higher priority to increasing energy supplies than to protecting the environment, while 59% want the environment to be prioritized. Asked to choose between an emphasis on developing alternative energy sources and increased production of fossil fuels, 73% of adults prefer an approach that focuses on developing alternative energy sources, while 21% favor one that targets production of more oil, gas and coal supplies.