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Poll: Gas Prices Affecting Quality of Life in America

Consumers Support Refineries and Expanded Drilling

October 21, 2005
High gas prices are seriously impacting the quality of life in America, according to a poll conducted by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute. More than 75 percent report that skyrocketing gasoline prices are very seriously (42.3 percent) or somewhat seriously (35.3 percent) impacting their own quality of life.

More than half of those surveyed, 55.8 percent, indicated they will travel less this coming holiday season as a result of higher gasoline prices.

The survey also suggests that Americans are using their credit cards to pay for gas much more frequently now than a year ago. One-third of the respondents who have a car, truck or SUV said they are using credit cards to pay for gas more frequently today than they were one year ago as a result of higher prices.

Those responding to the survey indicated their next car will be smaller and more gas-efficient. Just less than half, 45.2 percent of those who will purchase a new car said they will consider a hybrid vehicle, while 38 percent suggest they will not consider the new hybrids.

When asked about the environment, a large majority, 79.5 percent strongly or somewhat support allowing the federal government to permit new oil refineries throughout the United States as needed.

More than two-thirds, 68.4 percent, strongly or somewhat support allowing expanded drilling for oil in places such as Utah, Alaska and Colorado.

Over half of all respondents, 57.4 percent, noted they strongly or somewhat support lowering highway speed limits to 55 miles per hour.

The Sacred Heart University Polling Institute completed 1,000 interviews with residents nationwide between October 3 and 12, 2005. The sample was generated proportional to population contribution in all 50 states. Statistically, a sample of 1,000 completed telephone interviews represents a margin for error of +/-3.0 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

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