(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 Bellwether Research and Lake, Snell, Perry and Associates for the Alaska Coalition. 53 per cent of respondents are opposed to the idea.

In 2004, the environmental policies initiated by United States 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. 39 per cent of respondents suggest developing alternative forms of energy to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, 34 per cent favour conservation and fuel-efficiency, and 18 per cent support drilling for more oil and gas.

The Arctic National Wildlife 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

Should oil drilling be allowed in America's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Which of the following do you think is the best way to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil?

Source: Bellwether Research / Lake, Snell, Perry and Associates / Alaska Coalition
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,003 registered voters, conducted from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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