Voters Rate Energy Issues as Very Serious Concerns

When it comes to energy, Americans worry most about dependence on foreign oil.

Almost half of the 1,200 voters polled by Peter D. Hart Research Associates Inc. rate imports as one of their two biggest energy concerns. A distant second is the lack of viable alternatives to fossil fuels.

The U.S. imports about two-thirds of its oil. Of all the energy the country consumes every year, only 6 percent is renewable (excluding nuclear). The rest is oil, gas and coal.

Fifty-seven percent of voters rate energy issues as "very serious" concerns. Fewer say the same about the state of public schools (51 percent), job security (48 percent), home foreclosures (46 percent) or global warming (43 percent). Only the war in Iraq and the health insurance crisis top energy issues as very serious concerns for more voters (67 percent and 62 percent, respectively).

What is the best way to solve America's energy problems? According to 51 percent of voters, the answer is to invest in renewable energy sources; 28 percent call for energy efficiency and conservation policies; and only 17 percent favor more drilling and mining for domestic fossil fuels.

"These numbers show Americans are worried about how they're going to fill their gas tanks and heat their homes in the future -- and they should be," said Toni Nuernberg, executive director of the Ethanol Information and Promotion Council, a member of the Renewable Fuels Now Coalition, which commissioned the January 28 to February 2 survey. "Using more ethanol and other renewable fuels means we're going to be less dependent on oil from unstable parts of the world."

There are also clear economic benefits. Oil and gas prices would be 15 percent higher than they already are if not for biofuels, according to Merrill Lynch commodity strategist Francisco Blanch, and that would push up food prices (since it requires fuel to cultivate, harvest and bring food to market.)

Eighty percent of the voters in the survey say government should give more incentives to encourage the development of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

Seventy-six percent want government to require more renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel to be blended into fuel for cars and trucks.

"Americans believe it is critical to keep building a strong energy program that includes biofuels such as ethanol," said Nuernberg.