Poll Shows Americans Favor Alternative Sources to Fill Energy Gap

source: gallup poll 2001.12.03

PRINCETON, NJ, December 3, 2001 - The results of a survey conducted by The Gallup
Organization have revealed that 91 percent of those polled favor investing in alternative sources of
energy, which includes solar, wind, and fuel cells, and that 81 percent of respondents say the US
needs new power plants.

This poll, which randomly sampled 512 adults, was conducted November 8-11, 2001 and was a
follow-up to a similar survey conducted in May of this year. When comparing the results of the two
polls, the public's feelings towards investing in alternative energy sources remained unchanged, and
those advocating building more power plants essentially remained the same - in May 83 percent said
the US needed more power plants versus 81 percent in November.

The percentage of people who thought the electricity shortfall should be made up with nuclear power
slipped somewhat in the latest poll, with 42 percent backing an increased use of nuclear power in
November, while 48 percent felt that way in May. However, the number of people who thought
opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska for oil exploration was a good idea
increased slightly between the two polls. In May, 38 percent favored opening the Refuge, while in
November 44 percent were behind the drilling.

Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration is one of President Bush's top
priorities and while the support is not yet at the halfway point, a small increase is seen. Supporters of
the drilling say these US-based oil reserves could help reduce America's dependence on imported
oil for many years, but critics of the plan say the environmental impact does not justify the perceived
benefits.