(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in the United States are at ease with the idea of expanding their country’s capabilities to drill for oil and natural gas offshore, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation release by CNN. 69 per cent of respondents favour increased offshore drilling, and 51 per cent believe this activity would reduce the price of gasoline in the next year.

In April 2005, U.S. president George W. Bush declared, "I wish I could simply wave a magic wand and lower gas prices tomorrow; I’d do that. Unfortunately, higher gas prices are a problem that has been years in the making."

Last month, U.S. president George W. Bush lifted a White House ban on offshore drilling and urged Congress to lift its ban when it resumes duties in September.

On Aug. 24, Bush reiterated his calls for increased coastal drilling, saying, "This exploration is now banned by a provision included in the annual interior appropriations bill. When Congress returns they should remove this restriction so we can get these vast oil resources from the ocean floor to your gas tank."

On Aug. 27, Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid questioned the push to increase offshore oil drilling, declaring, "So, is offshore drilling energy policy or snake oil? Let’s review the facts. White House analysts, congressional analysts, and the oil industry all agree that offshore drilling won’t add one drop to our energy pool for at least ten years. The way things are going now, in another ten years we won’t need more oil; nobody will be able to afford it."

Polling Data

How do you feel about increased drilling for oil and natural gas offshore in U.S. waters? Do you strongly favour, mildly favour, mildly oppose or strongly oppose increased offshore drilling?

If the federal government allowed increased drilling for oil and natural gas offshore in U.S. waters, do you think that would reduce the price of gasoline in the next year?

Source: Opinion Research Corporation / CNN.
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 527 American adults, conducted on Jul. 27, to Jul. 29, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.

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