(POLL) More concern about gas prices than climate change

• 82% concerned about rising energy prices
• 60% favor a law to increase drilling in US for fossil fuels

A majority of voters say they are concerned about rising energy costs, and favor increasing drilling for fossil fuels such as oil and gas.

That's according to a survey by Rasmussen Reports and the Heartland Institute.

The survey showed that 82% of likely US voters say they are concerned about rising energy and gasoline prices, including 60% who are "very concerned."

Fourteen percent (14%) say they are not concerned about the rising price of energy.

Sixty percent (60%) say they favor a law that would dramatically increase oil and gas drilling in the US, including 47% who say they "strongly favor" such a law.

Thirty percent (30%) say they would oppose a law to increase drilling, while 11% are not sure.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters say they think Congress and President Joe Biden should be more focused on increasing oil and gas drilling to help reduce energy costs, but 34% think the energy policy should focus on limiting carbon dioxide emissions to help reduce climate change.

Fifty four (54%) of Democrats say they want the president and Congress to focus more on reducing climate change; 74% of Republicans and 54% of unaffiliated voters say they believe increased oil and gas drilling should be the policy focus.

When push comes to shove, polls consistently show energy and economic security trump climate change for a majority of the public when asked which is more important. Oil and gas remain, for the foreseeable future, vital to maintaining our present standard of living and lifestyles and to ensure continued economic and national security. This Heartland/Rasmussen poll indicates the public understands that fundamental fact.

H. Sterling Burnett, Director of Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy,  Heartland Institute

When it comes to climate change, the survey found that 50% of voters say they believe it’s likely that climate change will be catastrophic for humans, plants, and animals within the next 100 years; while 42% say it will not be catastrophic.

“Despite three decades of propagandizing, just 50 percent of those surveyed believe climate change poses a real threat to humans or the environment over the next 100 years,” Burnett said in a statement. “By contrast, a strong majority of Americans support government policies that would expand oil and gas production, regardless of climate change.”

To see survey question wording, click here.