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Energy Update
63% Say Developing New Energy Sources More Important Than Conservation
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Sixty-three percent (63%) of U.S. voters say finding new sources of energy is more important than reducing the amount of energy Americans now consume. That's up eight points from last month and the highest level measured since April 2009.

Thirty-one percent (31%) disagree and think energy conservation is more important, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

As for where that new energy should come from, 58% of voters say renewable sources such as solar and wind power are a better long-term financial investment for America.

Only 30% believe investing in fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil is the smarter option. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

Republicans and voters not affiliated with either major party strongly favor finding new energy sources over energy conservation, while Democrats are evenly divided on the issue.

Slightly more women (63%) than men (53%) say investing in renewable energy sources is the better option. Most Democrats and unaffiliated voters support investment in renewable energy, but Republicans are more divided.

Though the majority of voters see global warming as a serious problem, 50% continue to place the blame on long-term planetary trends as opposed to human activity, tying the highest level measured over the past year. Thirty-seven percent (37%) blame humans for global warming. These numbers reflect the continuing trend away from blaming human activity for the phenomenon.

However, 52% of voters believe President Obama blames global warming on human activity, a result that has remained consistent since he took office last January. Just 20% say the president thinks long-term planetary trends are to blame.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) give the president good or excellent ratings on his handling of energy issues, showing no change since December. Slightly more voters (42%) give the president a poor rating on his handling of those issues.

In December, 68% of voters showed support for offshore oil drilling, while just 20% were opposed. However, many also favor giving individual states the right to ban drilling off their own coastlines.

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Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

The Rasmussen Reports Election Edge™ Premium Service offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage available anywhere.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.

Global Warming is Primarily Caused By...

Date

Human activity

Planetary Trends

Other Reason

Jan 2010

37%

50%

5%

Dec 09

34%

50%

6%

Nov 09

37%

47%

5%

Oct 09

38%

46%

3%

Sep 09

42%

47%

5%

Jul 09

39%

47%

6%

Jun 09

42%

40%

10%

May 09

39%

44%

7%

Apr 09

34%

48%

7%

Mar 09

41%

43%

7%

Feb 09

38%

45%

7%

Jan 09

44%

41%

7%

Dec 08

43%

43%

6%

Apr 08

47%

34%

8%

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