A large majority (72 percent) of Americans believe that the USA has the technology to move from its reliance on oil and other dirty fuels to support investments in clean, smart energy choices, according to new polling data released today (3rd December) by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

"The American public understands that clean energy solutions are available right now," said Dr. Dan Lashof, Director of the Climate Center at NRDC. "As new leadership arrives in Washington, it is clear that Americans are looking for innovative energy solutions that will end our dependence on oil, create millions of jobs and solve global warming."

Some of the survey's notable findings include:

•   84 percent believe that higher gas prices mean we need to move away from our dependence on oil and toward renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• 77 percent believe we are capable of developing energy alternatives to reduce our economy’s dependence on oil and gas.
• 72 percent believe we already have the technology to do this.

"When people are presented with a variety of energy choices, Americans want investment in clean, renewable energy to stabilize our costs and create a more sustainable future," said Dr. Lashof. "These solutions -- like the wind, sun, and Earth’s natural heat --  are available and Americans want us to start using them now."

The survey examined Americans’ views toward a number of policies to address the country’s energy crisis, and a majority of Americans - even during a time of record gas prices - stated the following would make a "great deal of difference" in solving our energy problems:

•  Improving fuel efficiency to an average of 50 miles per gallon (68 percent).
• Investing in renewable energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy (68 percent).
• Building more wind farms (64 percent).
• Improving home efficiency (61 percent).