CAES News
Consumers Alliance for Energy Security (CAES) National Survey Results
MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 31, 2006
TO: CONSUMER ALLIANCE FOR ENERGY SECURITY
FROM: MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRSRE: NATIONAL SURVEY RESULTS
Mercury Public Affairs (MPA) conducted a survey of 1,000 likely voters nationwide on March 20-21, 2006. The margin of error for the survey is +/- 3.1% at a 95% confidence interval. MPA is pleased to present the following key findings from that survey.
HIGH ENERGY PRICES ARE NEGATIVELY IMPACTING AMERICAN FAMILIES
The high cost of energy is having a significant impact on American families. Not only is the energy crisis putting the squeeze on family budgets, but it's also driving perceptions that high energy prices are threatening the American economy and jobs.
AS A RESULT OF THE CRISIS, DRILLING FOR NATURAL GAS ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF HAS BROAD APPEAL AMONG AMERICAN VOTERS
By a strong 3:1 margin, Americans support drilling for natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf.
- Americans cite need for fuel and energy independence as top reasons to support offshore drilling for natural gas.
- Fifty-seven percent (57%) of coastal state voters support offshore drilling for natural gas.
- Regardless of political vote behavior, voters support offshore drilling for natural gas.
AMERICANS BELIEVE OFFSHORE DRILLING IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
- Due to new technologies, Americans believe offshore drilling for natural gas can be done safely.
CONCLUSION
- Americans' views on offshore drilling for natural gas have changed dramatically. The energy crisis has significantly impacted the American family—forging a broad consensus that it's time to open the Outer Continental Shelf to offshore drilling for natural gas.
- Voters believe that offshore drilling is a viable and safe source of energy and will lead to price relief and energy independence from foreign, energy-producing countries.