New Poll: 64% of Hoosiers Want More Drilling

A new poll by Harris Interactive:

A new survey finds that 64% of Hoosiers support increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources.

It seems that the rest of the country shares the same view. Polls from Pew, CNN, Zogby and others indicate that the majority of Americans from coast to coast are in support of more energy exploration in the United States.

This is a critical shift in public opinion, and one that our leaders in Washington need to recognize. According to federal government data, the United States has enough oil to fuel more than 65 million cars for 60 years and enough natural gas to heat 60 million homes for 160 years. But current policies restrict access to 85% of the outer continental shelf and 83% of onshore federal lands.

(Read more after the leap)

Hoosiers and people across the country understand the importance of developing America’s abundant resources. And with advanced technology, we can efficiently explore these resources while protecting the environment.

The Indiana state poll was conducted by telephone between July 10 and July 21, 2008 by Harris Interactive and commissioned by API. The survey of 504 registered Indiana voters who are likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election found 64 percent of those surveyed said they somewhat or strongly support increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources. Only 22 percent of respondents said they opposed increased access. An overwhelming 98 percent said they are somewhat or very concerned about the price of gasoline.

64% to 22%, a margin of almost three to one in favor of increased drilling for domestic oil and natural gas. Heck, 47% (almost a majority) say they strongly support more domestic drilling.

Among likely voters, no less.

Think that this might just be a viable election issue for Republicans?

Just maybe?

I’ve emailed the folks that did the poll and asked if they have any crosstabs available showing demographic or regional breakdowns on the results.