As House Democrats set their sights on producing a new energy and climate change bill by Memorial Day, voters tell Rasmussen they support increasing supply versus reducing demand by about a two-to-one margin. When asked, “Which is more important, finding new sources of energy or reducing the amount of energy Americans consume,” voters choose “new sources” over “reducing consumption” 60 percent-32 percent. Republicans choose more supply over reduced demand by a 71 percent-24 percent margin. Independents are right behind, opting for increased supply 63 percent-25 percent. Democrats also pick increasing supply, although by a narrower seven-point margin (50 percent-43 percent). A slim majority of Americans also believes more nuclear power plants should be built in the U.S. Overall 51 percent say yes, while 31 percent say no. The question of nuclear power, however, generates some interesting differences based on gender and party. For example, men support nuclear power by a hefty 67 percent-24 percent margin. Women on the other hand split almost down the middle, 38 percent-36 percent. When it comes to party, Republicans want to build more nuclear power plants 66 percent-20 percent, but Democrats oppose, 35 percent-43 percent. Independents side more with the Republicans on this issue, with 57 percent supporting more of these facilities while only 25 percent oppose. The survey also delves into questions about global climate change, including whether voters believe there is a conflict between “economic growth and environmental protection.” Read the full Rasmussen poll here.
