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New Poll Shows Plurality Supports Hydraulic Fracturing
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PITTSBURGH -- A new poll by Robert Morris University shows a plurality of adults support using hydraulic fracturing to explore shale rock reservouces, although a quarter of those responding to the survey were unsure.
According to the survey of 1,003 adults by the Robert Morris University Polling Institute, which followed what is described as a “balanced presentation” by energy and environmental groups on the topic, 42.3% said they strongly supported the practice while 32.8% somewhat or strongly opposed it. The balance of respondents, 24.9%, was unsure. Among those with an opinion, 56.4% support fracking and 43.6% are opposed.
The nationwide survey was conducted Oct. 23-Nov. 1 using an online survey instrument. The poll has a +/- 3.0% margin of error at a 95% confidence level on a composite basis.
“It is interesting that a majority is in support of fracking," observed Tony Kerzmann, assistant professor of engineering at Robert Morris University, in a statement that accompanied the release of the poll results. "Just three years ago, when there was staunch opposition to fracking by many environmental groups, I think you would have been lucky to have a third of poll respondents in support of fracking. With the economic benefits many regions have experienced, and having experienced minimal environmental problems, even the environmental groups are starting to join forces with oil and gas companies," he said.
Among those with an opinion:
- 59.6% suggest the environmental impact of gas drilling outweighs any resulting reduced energy costs or energy independence;
- 73.9% see new drilling technologies that allow fracking helping the United States move to energy independence;
- 80.1% suggest fracking has the potential to help the United States economy;
- 60.2% suggest the United States begin exporting new natural gas resources resulting from fracking.
Two-fifths of all respondents, 40%, strongly or somewhat supported fracking in their own hometown while 34.7% strongly or somewhat opposed the practice. One-quarter, 25.3%, were unsure. Among those with an opinion, 53.6% would support fracking in their own hometown.
SOURCE: Robert Morris University.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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