Four in five U.S. adults (80%) strongly or somewhat agree that national and state governments are not doing enough to promote production of biofuels – fuels made from agricultural crops or plant matter – according to a survey released by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive(r), also found that 82% of adults say national and state governments should provide financial incentives to biofuels producers to encourage the production and availability of biofuels. More than two out of three adults (69%) would use American-made biofuels even if these fuels cost slightly more than conventional gas.
And more than eight of every 10 (84%) say they would be at least somewhat likely to support federal and state political candidates who favor providing incentives to promote increased production and availability of biofuels throughout the U.S.
The survey asked respondents how strongly they agreed or disagreed with certain statements about biofuels. Half of U.S. adults (50%) strongly agreed and a third (30%) somewhat agreed that "Federal and state governments are not doing enough to promote the production of biofuels." When asked, "Do you think the production and availability of biofuel should be encouraged by national and state governments providing financial incentives to biofuel producers?" four out of five respondents (82%) said, "Yes."
More than half (57%) of U.S. adults were able to correctly define biofuels as fuel made from agricultural crops or plant matter.
The survey also asked adults to rate the importance to them "that biofuel production in America helps to accomplish" the goals of creating jobs in rural areas, making America less dependent on foreign oil, and reducing gas prices. Eight of 10 respondents (81%) rated making America less dependent on foreign oil very important or important. Seven of 10 (73%) rated decreasing gas prices very important or important. And lastly, nearly seven in 10 (68%) rated creating jobs in rural areas very important or important.