This chart was made from information contained in a new survey from the Pew Research Center. The survey was conducted between November 6th and 9th of a random national survey of 1,353 adults, and has a margin of error of 3.1 points. The numbers represent the difference between those who support fracking and those who oppose it. A positive number means more support it than oppose it, and a negative number means more oppose it than support it.
Let's take the numbers for all adults as an example. In March 2013, all adults supported fracking 48%-38% (giving it a positive 10). But by November 2014, all adults opposed fracking 41%-47% (giving it a negative 6) -- a significant move of 16 points. Note that when we break this survey down demographically, every single group shows less support for fracking than they did 20 months ago -- and that reduction in support for all groups is statistically significant (exceeding the margin of error).
The only groups showing strong support for fracking are men and Republicans, and the support has dropped even in those groups -- men by 9 points and Republicans by 5 points.
This shows us that the fight against the ground pollution posed by fracking has been very effective. Environmental activists have been able to move public opinion significantly in the last 20 months -- and that's a very good thing for our environment (and the health of our children and grandchildren).
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any action will be taken legislatively to stop fracking in the next couple of years. That's because the Republicans control the U.S. Congress and far too many state governments -- and they long ago sold out to the giant oil & gas companies.
