public opinion

The American public is not buying the arguments of President Bush and the oil industry that new drilling will lower gas prices, a new poll finds. Additionally, a majority of Americans (63%) said that the President’s proposal to open up public lands to oil and gas drilling is “more likely to enrich oil companies than to lower gas prices for American consumers.”

Mike Daulton, Director of Conservation Policies, National Audubon Society, is interviewed about attitudes among the American public regarding increased domestic oil and natural gas exploration on environmentally sensitive lands. He also discusses Audubon"s position on increased domestic energy production.

In honor, or dishonor, of Earth Day, a Gallup poll is conducted each year about Americans’ opinions on environmental issues. For 19 years, Americans have been asked to rate their personal environmental concerns and what level of action is required to solve these problems.