A new Pew Research poll shows broad support for a variety of energy policy options currently on the table in Congress but no public consensus on top
“„Roughly two-thirds (69%) say reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy should be a very important goal for Congress and the president in any decisions on energy policy. The same number say keeping energy prices low is very important. Nearly as many (64%) say creating jobs within the energy sector should be a very important goal of energy policies, and 61% believe protecting the environment from the effects of energy development and use is a very important goal.
“„When asked to pick the one goal that should take highest priority, energy independence ranks at the top of the list. About three-in-ten (31%) say reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy should take priority in the energy policy debate. Roughly two-in-ten choose each of the other three goals as the top priority.
“„There is more of a partisan gap over environmental protection and job creation. Far more Democrats (76%) than Republicans (46%) see protecting the environment from the effects of energy development and use as a very important goal. And Democrats are also significantly more likely than Republicans (73% vs. 56%) to say that creating jobs within the energy sector should be a very important goal.
