[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/EW-06-03-13-Americans-Want-Cleaner-Energy.mp3|titles=EW 06-03-13 Americans Want Cleaner Energy]
The Gallup organization recently conducted a poll of Americans asking whether we should put more emphasis on domestic energy.
The results show that there is a great deal of agreement that solar energy, wind energy, and natural gas should all be emphasized. In fact, solar energy came out on top with more than ¾ of all Americans wanting to see more of it. Wind, with more than 70%, came in second, and natural gas followed with 65% support. Support for these three energy sources was broad-based across the political spectrum.
It must be noted that natural gas is tied to the ongoing controversy about fracking technology, so its emergence as a focus is not without complications.
Support for the development of oil, nuclear power, and coal was considerably lower, with coal coming in dead last with only 31% of those polled supporting it. In contrast to the top three energy sources, however, support for oil, coal, and nuclear power was sharply divided along political party lines, with both Democrats and Independents much more negative than Republicans.
There does seem to be a strong consensus building among Americans that solar power, wind power, and natural gas should be the means to accelerate economic growth and gain energy independence through the development of domestic energy sources. Meanwhile, oil, coal and nuclear power remain firmly embroiled in political turmoil.
It remains to be seen whether broad-based agreement on what needs to be done is enough to help drive the country forward in establishing its energy future.
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Americans Want More Emphasis on Solar, Wind, Natural Gas
Photo, taken on September 2, 2010, courtesy of Walmart via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, with partial support from the Field Day Foundation.