Large divide between Republicans and Democrats over energy priorities % of U.S. adults who say alternative addressing sources should be energy supply
There continue to be wide political differences on energy priorities. While a 2016 Pew Research Center survey found large majorities of Democrats and Republicans supported expanding both wind and solar energy, the new survey shows that Democrats remain far more likely than Republicans to stress that developing alternative energy should take priority over developing fossil fuel sources.
About eight-in-ten (81%) Democrats and independents who lean to the Democratic Party favor developing alternative sources instead of expanding production from fossil fuel sources. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are closely divided: 45% say the more important priority should be developing alternative sources, while 44% say expanding production of oil, coal and natural gas should be given more priority.
Large divide between Republicans and  | Democrats over energy priorities  | % of U.S. adults who say alternative addressing sources should be  | the more importantpriorityfor addressing America's  | energy supply  | Democrat/L.aan Dem  | 81  | 80  | 75  | 73  | 73  | 68  | 48  | 43  | 45  | 40  | Republican/L.ean Rep  | 24  | 2012  | 2013 2014  | 2015  | 2016 2017  | 2011  | Note: Other responses notshown.  | Source Survey cond lucted Jan. 4-9 2017.  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 