Americans divide evenly when asked whether the U.S. should prioritize energy production (46%) or environmental protection (45%) when the goals conflict. From 2001 to 2008, Americans consistently came down on the side of the environment. Since 2009, they have been divided or shown a slight preference for energy production — aside from a temporary shift back toward the environment in the wake of the April 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. [cont.]
Jeffrey M. Jones, Gallup