Gallup poll finds majority favor energy conservation over production

A majority prefer conservation of U.S. energy sources as opposed to production, according to a new Gallup poll.

The poll, released on Wednesday, found 57 percent say the United States should encourage conservation when tackling the country’s energy problems and establishing a central policy, over pushing more production of oil, gas, and coal supplies. 

{mosads}That’s up from 51 percent in 2013.

On the other hand, roughly one-third say more emphasis should be placed on production of the nation’s fossil fuel supply.

The poll contradicts the common refrain offered by Republicans that President Obama’s goals to transition the nation to more climate-friendly energy sources is out of touch with the public.

Gallup also found 64 percent of those surveyed favor increasing development of alternative energy production like wind and solar power over further production of traditional fossil fuels, up from 59 percent last year.

Roughly 80 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 prefer alternative sources of energy, with older age groups favoring them less.

As for green policies, more than 60 percent are in favor of a number of proposals that would regulate or cut back fossil fuel emissions, including higher pollution standards for business and industry, which are big on the administration’s agenda.

But a majority also like the idea of opening up land owned by the government for oil exploration, a proposal floated in Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) 2015 budget blueprint this week.