Less than a third of New Jersey residents favor drilling for oil or gas off the state's coast, a new Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll finds. Two years ago, 56 percent were in favor of off-shore drilling, but the poll, released today, finds a significant drop with 31 percent in favor, compared to 63 percent opposed. Support for both...
Two years ago, 56 percent were in favor of off-shore drilling, but the poll, released today, finds a significant drop with 31 percent in favor, compared to 63 percent opposed.
Support for both wind and nuclear energy remains the same, with 80 percent in favor of energy-generating windmills off the state's coast, and 37 percent in favor of a nuclear power plant.
Eighty-five percent of residents polled say they have heard or read about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and more than half believe the oil could make its way to New Jersey's shores.
"New Jersey has historically been concerned with environmental issues and the specter of anything washing up on our beaches may heighten anxiety over off-shore drilling," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. "The fact that concern is the same for coastal and inland residents may speak to how much all New Jerseyans value our shore as a state asset."
More coverage:
• N.J. senators, environmental groups oppose Obama's offshore drilling plan
• BP oil spill reaches all Gulf states
• N.J. lawmakers call on President Obama to postpone offshore drilling after oil spill
• Editorial: BP oil spill forces rethinking on offshore drilling
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| Sen. Menendez: Offshore drilling is a non-starter for me |
National Guard helicopters drop sand bags in a breach in the beach just west of Grand Isle, La., in an effort to protect the delicate marsh lands from the approaching oil slick moving westward from the Deepwater Horizon spill.