Fact #286: September 22, 2003
Public Opinion on Oil Dependence

In a household survey conducted June 7–22, 2003, more than half (52%) of the respondents said they were somewhat concerned about U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Only 11% of respondents indicated that they were very satisfied with what the federal government is doing to address the oil dependence.

Graph: Responses to a public opinion survey regarding the U.S. dependence on foreign oil

Supporting Information

Are you very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not at all concerned about U.S. dependence on oil from the Middle East?
Very concerned 25.31%
Somewhat concerned 52.15%
Not at all concerned 22.53%
 
Are you satisfied, somewhat satisfied, or not at all satisfied with what the Federal Government is doing to address U.S. dependence on oil from the Middle East?
Very satisfied 11.28%
Somewhat satisfied 58.41%
Not at all satisfied 22.93%
Not aware of what the Government is doing 7.38%

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Omnibus Household Survey Results – June 2003, Questions SN1100 & SN1200 (N = 1,029)

Return to 2003 Facts of the Week