(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States reject a proposal to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 46 per cent of respondents are opposed to the idea.

In 2004, the environmental policies initiated by U.S. president George W. Bush included tax incentives totalling $4.1 billion U.S. to boost the use of energy-efficient technologies, including hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles.

Bush has also proposed opening less than 10 per cent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration. According to the White House, the area could potentially provide more than one million barrels of oil each day. 49 per cent of respondents believe the country must develop new sources of energy, while 42 per cent say protecting the environment should be a more important priority.

On Mar. 16, the U.S. Senate voted 51-49 to allow oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge—located in northeastern Alaska—covers almost 80,000 square kilometres. The area was protected in 1960 during the administration of Dwight Eisenhower, and is home to more than 230 animal species.

Polling Data

Would you favour or oppose allowing oil and gas drilling in the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Right now, which one of the following do you think should be a more important priority for this country?

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