Public opinion on U.S. energy vs. environment trade-off 2001-2015

This survey shows the opinion of adult Americans on whether the protection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies (such as oil, gas, and coal), which the U.S. produces, or the development of energy should be prioritized over the welfare of the environment . The survey was conducted annually from 2001 to 2015. In the poll from March 2015, 49 percent of the respondents stated they would prioritize the protection of the environment.

Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers?

Characteristic	Prioritize environment	Prioritize development of U.S. energy supplies
2015	49%	39%
2014	51%	40%
2013	45%	46%
2012	44%	47%
2011	55%	39%
2010	43%	50%
2009	47%	46%
2008	50%	41%
2007	58%	34%
2006	49%	42%
2005	52%	39%
2004	48%	44%
2003	49%	40%
2002	52%	40%
2001	52%	36%

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Release date

April 2015

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

March 2001 to March 2015

Number of respondents

About 1,000 each poll

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Telephone interview

Supplementary notes

The missing percentage points to 100 percent are for the possible answers: "Both/equally", "Neither/other", "No opinion".

The source worded the question as follows: "With which of these statements about the environment and energy production do you most agree --porotection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies -- such as oil, gas and coal -- which the United States produces (or) development of U.S. energy supplies -- such as oil, gas and coal -- should be given priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent?"

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