
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, December 30, 1994                   TAG: 9412300129
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

A NUCLEAR `NO' VOTE IN POLL

Many Americans think the government should focus its energy research on renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, and save money by trimming nuclear and fossil-fuel programs, according to a poll released by conservation organizations.

Given that the incoming GOP Congress is considering cutting the Department of Energy, respondents were asked to choose where the federal government should spend its dwindling energy research and development dollars. Forty-two percent of those surveyed cited renewable energy as their top priority, while 22 percent chose energy efficiency and conservation technologies.

An additional 15 percent chose natural gas; 9 percent said nuclear energy; 7 percent selected fossil fuels such as oil and coal; and the rest didn't know or didn't answer.

``American taxpayers know a good deal when they see one,'' David Nemtzow, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, said at a news conference Thursday. ``Energy efficiency cuts waste and saves money - for the government, for business and for consumers.''

Nuclear power was singled out by 44 percent of those polled as the first energy source that should be cut if the new Congress seeks reductions in the Energy Department's budget. Twenty-nine percent said funding for fossil fuels should be the primary target of budget cuts.

In addition, 74 percent of respondents said the government should provide tax incentives and other federal support to expand the development of energy efficiency and renewable-energy technologies.

The survey of 1,000 randomly selected voters was conducted by telephone Dec. 7-12. It solicited views on federal funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural gas, nuclear power and fossil fuels. The poll had an error margin of 3 percentage points.

by CNB