Dealing with the Nation's Priority Energy 
While concern over the budget deficit has gone up, the percentage giving priority to dealing with the nation’s energy problem has declined significantly – and this decline has taken place among Republicans, Democrats and independents alike. In the current survey, 49% rate energy a top priority, down 11 points from 60% in 2009. In the late 2000s, about six-in-ten consistently gave top priority to dealing with the nation’s energy problem. The current number is more in line with views from the early years of that decade, when the percentage that said dealing with the nation’s energy problem should be a top priority ranged from the low-to-mid 40s.
Dealing with the Nation's Priority Energy  | Dealing Problem Declines as a Priority Energy  | 60  | 58  | 49  | 46  | 40  | 2001  | 2004  | 2007  | 201 Q  | Q30tF2 