A new poll conducted by Harris Interactive® shows overwhelming American support for expanding renewable fuel options with nine in 10 U.S. adults (88 percent) agreeing the U.S. should pursue renewable energy sources.

The poll, commissioned by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, concludes that 72 percent of adults believe that higher oil prices have had a substantial impact on the rising cost of food in recent months, compared to only 35 percent who believe ethanol production has had a significant impact on rising food prices.

The poll, conducted online between September 21 and25, asked 2,199 U.S. adults about their attitudes regarding ethanol. Other results indicate that nearly eight in 10 adults (78 percent) believe usage of ethanol would lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil.

Energy policy is at the forefront of national debate with pending energy legislation expected to hit congressional calendars this fall. The Senate-approved version of the energy bill contains a provision mandating the use of 36 billion gallons of ethanol by 2022.

“This poll suggests that American consumers are aware of our severe dependence on foreign oil,” said Doug Durante, executive director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition. “We have reached a crossroads in the energy market, and consumers plainly want an alternative to imported oil. Homegrown, renewable fuels are clearly a viable answer.”

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