An Opinion Shift Toward Drilling

The Pew Research Center has joined the ranks of other polling organizations that have found Americans are increasing their support for oil drilling.

As reported by Associated Press, a Pew survey conducted in June shows 47 percent of Americans rank energy exploration, drilling and building power plants as the nation's highest priority, a sharp rise from the 35 percent who held that view a few months ago.

The Pew poll also found that groups who traditionally support conservation as the solution to U.S. energy problems are becoming more supportive of drilling. According to AP, "the percentage of liberals who said expanding energy exploration was their most important priority doubled from 22 percent in February to 45 percent; increased by 19 points to 50 percent among independents; and by 18 points to 46 percent among women."

Why such an opinion shift? Carroll Doherty of the Pew Research Center says, "This shows the real impact of higher gas prices on the public."

Perhaps this groundswell of support for drilling will lead Congress to reconsider its long-standing ban on exploration and production in areas believed to contain significant amounts of oil and natural gas. The American public understands the connection between oil supplies, demand and prices. Congress needs to understand it, too.