U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #46: November 17, 1997
Public Perception of U.S. Oil Imports

In November 1997, Opinion Research Corporation International (ORC) asked a random national survey audience "What percentage of oil used in the U.S. is imported?" Below are the results of the survey limped by quintiles. The mean response was 61%.

Graph showing public perception of U.S. oil imports

ORC then asked "The actual level import percentage level is 50% and is projected to grow. How concerned are you over the amount of oil the U.S. imports?" 34% of the respondents were "very concerned," 41% were 'somewhat concerned," 15% were "not very concerned," and 9% were "not concerned at all."

Note: Data are normalized to account for 13% of respondents that answered "Don't Know."

Supporting Information

Public Perception of U.S. Oil Imports
Estimated Level
of Oil Imports
Percent of
Respondents
0-20% 5%
21-40% 13%
41-60% 29%
61-80% 43%
81-100% 10%

Source: Opinion Research Corporation International, ORC Study #70645 performed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, November 6, 1997.

Return to Favorite Facts of the Week