Gallup: Fewer Americans Blame Oil Companies, More Americans Say Drill

Even as the price of oil nearly doubled over the last year, the percentage of Americans pointing the finger of blame at oil companies fell, from 37% a year ago to 20%.

And 57% favor drilling in areas of the US that are currrently off limits.

Other factors measured, a drop in the percentage of Americans blaming high gas prices on the Iraq war, and single digit percentages blaming speculators (6%) and a weaker US dollar (4%). Those pointing to economic forces and supply vs. demand up from 10% to 15%.

Meanwhile Senate Democrats recommend imposing "a 25 percent tax on profits over what would be determined "reasonable" and would allow oil companies to avoid paying the tax if they invest the money in alternative energy projects or refinery expansion".

Can't wait to see what "reasonable" is. But apparently voters in Union County South Dakota want to help one company avoid paying that tax.

A new refinery and shifting public attitudes regarding the price of oil? I think Slublog is getting results. And he deserves a sandwich, and maybe even a new BB gun.

posted by Dave In Texas at 11:53 AM

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