Sixty-three percent of likely American voters say they favor government action that would force automakers to improve the gas mileage of SUVs, according to a Christian Science Monitor poll. Fifty-seven percent say they would pay an extra $1,000 for a vehicle with greater fuel efficiency. Enviros might be pleased by these responses, but are likely to be dismayed to learn that 54 percent of those polled said they support oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine natural area in Alaska, while only 38 percent oppose such drilling. When asked which major party presidential candidate would do a better job of ensuring sufficient energy supplies, 44 percent said Bush and 33 percent said Gore.
