This 2005 survey found that by a margin of 53% to 38%, Americans oppose proposals to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The majority feel there are better alternatives to drilling in the Arctic Refuge.

“Should oil drilling be allowed in America’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?”

·        Do not allow oil drilling (53%)

·        Allow oil drilling (38%)

A majority (73% vs 18%) agreed with a statement that the issue of drilling in the Arctic Refuge is important to the American public and future generations to be snuck through the budget process; they also disagreed with drilling proponents arguments in favor of allowing drilling as part of the budget.

“In the next few months, Congress is likely to vote on allowing oil drilling within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.”

• Some members of Congress say that drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should be included as part of the budget bill because it is the best way to get it approved by Congress and that the royalties generated from drilling rights would be important for our federal budget, our economy, and our future. (18% agree)
• Other members of Congress say that the issue of oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge is too important to the American public and future generations to be snuck through in the budget bill in an attempt to circumvent the established process. It should be discussed and brought to a vote on its own merits. (73% agree)

“Which view comes closer to your own?”

• Some/Other people say we should allow oil drilling in a small part of the Arctic Refuge because the oil there would replace 30 years of imports from Saudi Arabia. With ongoing instability in Iraq and the Middle East, we need to reduce our dependence on oil from that region and maximize our domestic oil resources for our country’s energy needs and national security. The Arctic Refuge represents America’s best chance for a major discovery. (33% agree)
• Other/Some people say oil drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge will do little or nothing to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The U.S. Geological Survey says there is less oil there than the U.S. would use in 6 months and oil companies admit that none of the oil would reach the market for at least ten years. Energy experts agree that making cars more fuel-efficient is the single most effective thing the U.S. can do right now to decrease dependence on foreign oil and increase national security. (58% agree)