Most Americans now oppose allowing more oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center.
The survey conducted earlier this month found that 51 percent of those questioned are opposed to more drilling, a 10 percent decline since 2014. Forty-two percent favor expanded drilling. The survey of 1,503 adults was conducted Jan. 10-15.
Sponsor Spotlight
Those who live within 25 miles of a coastline and younger people are more opposed offshore drilling than are those who live farther from a coast and older people, the survey found. About a third, or 34 percent, of those who live within 25 miles of a coastline favor allowing more offshore oil and gas drilling, while 56 percent are opposed. Of those ages 18 to 49, 58 percent oppose allowing more offshore drilling, whereas 42 percent of those 50 or older support expanded drilling.
Seven in 10 Republicans and those leaning Republican say they favor allowing more drilling, and only a quarter say they oppose it. Only 22 percent of Democrats and those leaning Democratic Party favor allowing more offshore drilling and 71 percent oppose it.
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan “fact tank” that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other social science research. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
