Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers?
Characteristic
Prioritize environment
Prioritize development of U.S. energy supplies
2015
49%
39%
2014
51%
40%
2013
45%
46%
2012
44%
47%
2011
55%
39%
2010
43%
50%
2009
47%
46%
2008
50%
41%
2007
58%
34%
2006
49%
42%
2005
52%
39%
2004
48%
44%
2003
49%
40%
2002
52%
40%
2001
52%
36%
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The missing percentage points to 100 percent are for the possible answers: "Both/equally", "Neither/other", "No opinion".
The source worded the question as follows: "With which of these statements about the environment and energy production do you most agree --porotection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies -- such as oil, gas and coal -- which the United States produces (or) development of U.S. energy supplies -- such as oil, gas and coal -- should be given priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent?"
Citation formats
United States - energy development vs. environment protection 2005-2015
This survey shows the opinion of adult Americans on whether the protection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies (such as oil, gas, and coal), which the U.S. produces, or the development of energy should be prioritized over the welfare of the environment . The survey was conducted annually from 2001 to 2015. In the poll from March 2015, 49 percent of the respondents stated they would prioritize the protection of the environment.
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Gallup. (April 13, 2015). Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers? [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from /statistics/221444/public-opinion-on-us-energy-vs-environment-trade-off/
Gallup. "Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers?." Chart. April 13, 2015. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 26, 2026. /statistics/221444/public-opinion-on-us-energy-vs-environment-trade-off/
Gallup. (2015). Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers?. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 26, 2026. /statistics/221444/public-opinion-on-us-energy-vs-environment-trade-off/
Gallup. "Which Should Be Prioritized - The Protection of The Environment, Even at The Risk of Limiting The Amount of Energy Supplies, or The Development of Energy Supplies, Even If The Environment Suffers?." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 13 Apr 2015, /statistics/221444/public-opinion-on-us-energy-vs-environment-trade-off/
Gallup, Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers? ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/221444/public-opinion-on-us-energy-vs-environment-trade-off/ (last visited July 26, 2026)
Which should be prioritized - the protection of the environment, even at the risk of limiting the amount of energy supplies, or the development of energy supplies, even if the environment suffers? [Graph], Gallup, April 13, 2015. [Online]. Available: /statistics/221444/public-opinion-on-us-energy-vs-environment-trade-off/