63% of PA residents support more domestic drilling

A recent survey commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute found that 63 percent of surveyed Pennsylvanians now support increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources.

To view full results of the state study and methodology, go to the EnergyTomorrow.org Web site.

Although most members of Congress are in their home states on recess this month, the energy debate is still going strong, says Jane Van Ryan of the American Petroleum Institute.

From EnergyTomorrow.org:

This is a critical shift in public opinion, and one that our leaders in Washington need to recognize. According to federal government data, the United States has enough oil to fuel more than 65 million cars for 60 years and enough natural gas to heat 60 million homes for 160 years. But current policies restrict access to 85% of the outer continental shelf and 83% of onshore federal lands.

The Pennsylvania poll was conducted by Harris Interactive. Polls from Pew, CNN, Zogby and others indicate that the majority of Americans from coast to coast are in support of more energy exploration in the United States, according to API.