Posted on 02/07/2005 10:05:42 AM PST by Eva
Two-thirds of Americans Support ANWR Exploration ANWR viewed as reducing foreign oil dependence and strengthening National security, according to survey
(Washington) -- Sixty-seven percent of Americans support oil and gas exploration and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) according to a recent survey by The Luntz Research Companies. Citing a concern with dependence on foreign oil and the need for increased national security, the public views oil and gas from ANWR as a strong component of a diverse energy solution to address America’s future energy needs.
Alaskans have long-supported exploration and development within ANWR with the knowledge that exploring ANWR is safe and will not damage the environment. Recognizing the need for balance between responsible energy exploration and minimal impact on the environment, two-thirds of the American public also believes that “by using 21st century technology and advanced engineering that already exists, ANWR can be developed and the environment protected.”
“Our national security is inextricably linked to our dependence on foreign oil,” said Governor Frank H. Murkowski. “This research shows that Americans understand and support the role ANWR can play in reducing our nation’s dependence on OPEC and Middle Eastern oil. Alaskans know that we can protect the environment and develop our natural resources, creating jobs for Alaska and the nation and providing America with a secure supply of American oil. That’s good news for the country and good news for Alaskans.”
The Luntz Research findings challenge the claims of a Zogby International poll sponsored by the Wilderness Society and other environmental groups which claim that the majority of Americans oppose opening ANWR. For example, Zogby based one of its ANWR opposition claims on a multiple-choice question asking the best way to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Seventeen percent of respondents chose “drill for more oil and gas including areas within wildlife refuges.” Another question touted fifty-nine percent agreement with a statement saying that not enough oil exists in ANWR to change prices and would take a decade to develop.
Last week, Harris Interactive published a separate, independent poll finding that a strong majority of Americans believe we are in an energy crisis. Nearly 60 percent of respondents supported "energy reform to allow companies to drill for oil in certain areas such as . . . ANWR.”
Specifically, the Luntz Survey found:
84% of those surveyed agree that America needs American oil and that we need to develop our energy resources right here in America and not depend on foreign and Middle Eastern oil for our economic security.
65% of Americans believe ANWR represents a secure American supply of oil that could help reduce U.S. demand for foreign oil for 25 years or more.
64% feel that oil from ANWR would reduce American dependence on OPEC and Middle Eastern oil.
63% of Americans think ANWR development would create hundreds of thousands of American jobs affecting virtually every state.
The survey was conducted in January 2005 among 800 registered voters nationwide and sponsored by Arctic Power.
Bump
What's that you say, 2/3rds of the people support this. Why that. that's not possible. The demo/socialists have been teling us for 4 years now that only Bush and his oil cabal are for this.
Here's more from Alaska on ANWR:
Web posted February 3, 2005
Arctic wildlife refuge defenders fear time is up
Sen. Lieberman worries that drilling legislation will get by filibuster
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON - Members of Congress who have successfully blocked oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for more than a decade vowed to do everything, including a Senate filibuster, to protect the preserve again this year. But they say there is a real possibility they will fail this time.
"If there ever was an occasion to support a filibuster, this is," said Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., who attended a rally Wednesday with environmental groups. "There are not 60 senators who will vote for drilling."
But he and others agreed that if Republicans put the drilling legislation in the budget resolution, which is not susceptible to a filibuster, there's a greater chance it will have the votes to pass.
Republican gains in the Senate give President Bush his best chance yet to win approval for oil drilling in the refuge, which is one of his top energy priorities. The GOP now has a 55-44-1 majority in the Senate, compared with a narrower margin last year - 51 Republicans, 48 Democrats and one Democratic-leaning independent.
"The timing is right this year," said House Resources Committee spokeswoman Jennifer Zuccarelli. "There are new senators who are coming on supporting us, and I think it's going to happen this year."
Lieberman said he believes that "a couple" of the new senators could be persuaded to oppose the drilling. There are two new Democrats and seven new Republicans in the Senate.
At a rally, complete with environmentalists in white polar bear costumers, House and Senate members said better fuel economy standards for sports utility vehicles and increased use of ethanol would be more effective in stemming America's dependence on foreign oil.
"This is all about corporate greed," said Sen. Mark Dayton,D-Minn., noting that he gets far greater fuel economy in his SUV in Minnesota, where gasoline must be 10 percent ethanol.
And Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said the solution lies not in the environmentally sensitive Arctic refuge, but in Detroit, where automakers must be pressed to increase fuel economy.
Republicans in the House and Senate have said they would push for Alaska refuge drilling legislation early this year.
When the president says we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, normal Americans know that means drilling ANWR, democrats think it means closing down car manufacturers and giving everyone a bicycle.
Someone should start an email campaign to some of the legislators who are up for re-election and have opposed drilling in ANWR.
It's a matter of national security. I wonder what the timeline is to bring a new well on-line. The situation in Iran won't wait for ANWR, but the over all picture with Venezuela, Russia and the Middle East cries for some oil independence.
Since when does what the majority of Americans want make a particle of difference to these %&%#@%&#@#&@%#^ politicians?
The caribou herds have increased as they have their calves by the pipelines which provide warmth, allowing more to survive - and the pipelines, because of the warmth, cause more greenery/food to grow all along it.
grizzly bears love to climb up it and take a stroll - :o) -
Ouch - my ears! ;o)
Cute....I see your point.
There is plenty of untapped oil just off the coast of California near the Channel Islands. But, to date, the well being of the sea otters has been far more important that US oil supplies. Similarly, right off the coast near Tampa, Florida are immense oil reserves, also untapped. Small handfuls of anti-American, self-proclaimed environmentalists are preventing drawing against these reserves and are, therefore, putting us at the mercy of their masters, Fox of Mexico, Chvez of Venezuela, the Nigerians and, of course, all the terrorist Arabs. WE MUST EXPLOIT ALL OUR OIL RESOURCES, STARTING NOW!!!
Only at election time.
I'm totally in agreement! Bump!
This Californian with a 20+ year energy industry career, knows something about the issue.
Facts: The worst spill at Valdez was dealt with. Offshore spill in Santa Barbara channel dealt with. Ship spill at Huntington Beach dealt with.
I saw the spill at HB and it was shocking. And a few months later, everything was okay.
Oil is dead dinosours, and of little overall harm. The Alaskan carribou love the pipeline.
Alaskan people love the oil economy and revenue.
Overall a win-win; except for the hurt whittle egos of the enviro-leftist-extremists.
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