Public Opinion Quarterly Advance Access originally published online on May 23, 2008
Public Opinion Quarterly 2008 72(2):364-388; doi:10.1093/poq/nfn019
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The Polls—Trends
Public Opinion on Energy Policy: 1974–2006
Address correspondence to Fay Lomax Cook; e-mail: flc943{at}northwestern.edu.
In recent years, energy policy has become an increasingly salient political issue in the United States. Rising gas prices, coupled with regional energy shortages and a growing recognition of the connection between U.S. energy supplies and national security, have led to calls for legislative action. Part of developing a national energy policy lies in understanding public opinion about existing energy sources, public support for various energy strategies, and what the public might be willing to do in order to conserve energy and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil. In this review, we report trends in public opinion from 1974 through 2006 on traditional energy sources, alternative energy sources, and citizens’ priorities on energy alternatives. The polls show that concern about the U.S. energy situation is as high now as it was during the nation's energy crises of the 1970s. While attitudes about traditional sources of energy are strongly influenced by current economic conditions, citizens are increasingly receptive to alternative sources of energy (e.g., nuclear energy). Citizens also support policy changes that involve the government encouraging conservation through energy efficient appliances, vehicles, and homes and offices. The public voices a growing frustration with President Bush’s, and the Congress’s, handling of the nation's energy problems, and they express a desire for leadership in finding long-term solutions to the nation's energy dilemmas.
TOBY BOLSEN is with Northwestern University, 626 Library, Evanston, IL 60208, United States. FAY LOMAX COOK is with Northwestern University, 2040 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, United States. Toby Bolsen is a doctoral student in the Department of Political Science and a Graduate Fellow in the Institute for Policy Research, both at Northwestern University. Fay Lomax Cook is director of Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research and a professor of human development and social policy in the School of Education and Social Policy. They are grateful for inspiration and support to Dr. Brad Moore, Vice President for Research, and to the Office for Research at Northwestern University. They are also grateful to Jamie Druckman who was generous and timely with helpful suggestions and useful comments.