Most Californians Now Oppose Offshore Drilling, Poll Finds

Three months after the Gulf oil spill, a survey finds a large increase in opposition against offshore drilling, finds the latest poll (.pdf) from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), which features a variety of environmental issues. Last year, a poll found that 43% opposed, 51% were in favor of it. Now 59% oppose and 36% are in favor.

But support for California's landmark climate bill from 2006 has seen much of a change in support, which is at 67%, one point up from last year. That bill is the focus of oil-company funded Prop 23, which aims to weaken it on the November ballot. If approved, the bill would be suspended until unemployment hits 5.5% or lower for at least a year. A general poll question about the prop found that a slim majority (53%) might oppose it.

Regarding other environmental issues, Californians are split on building new nuclear plants (49% oppose, 44% favor), but overwhelmingly are in favor of increased federal funding to develop wind, solar, and hydrogen technology (83%), and requiring automakers to significantly improve the fuel efficiency of cars sold in this country (83%).