Louisville—In a survey sure to disappoint environmentalists, not one of more than 1,600 participants in a recent Presbyterian Panel poll was able to correctly answer eight true-false questions on energy issues.

The questions, put to a random scientific sample of Presbyterian members, elders, pastors and specialized clergy by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Research Services office (answers below):

• Compared to 20 years ago, the overall energy efficiency of U.S. motor vehicles has improved.
• The burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of recent global climate change.
• On average, food in the U.S. travels more than 1,200 miles to get from the farmer to the consumer.
• The United States government’s long-term plan for dealing with nuclear waste is to ship the waste to outer space.
• Only a little over one-third of the energy used in a conventional oil or coal-fired power plant is converted into electricity.
• Less than a quarter of all petroleum consumed in the United States is imported.
• Of renewable resources used by electric utilities (such as hydro-electric, solar, wind), wind currently generates the most power.
• The U.S., with 5 percent of the world’s population, annually accounts for more than 40 percent of worldwide petroleum consumption.

Of the 938 members and elders who responded to the panel, 22 percent got five or more correct; 7 percent got six or seven more correct; and 1 percent got seven correct. Among the 724 ministers, 34 percent got five or more correct; 15 percent six or more; and 3 percent got seven correct.

Panelists did the best job on question 6 — 72 percent of members and 80 percent of ministers correctly answered “false.” Actually, 60 percent of the oil used in the United States is imported.

The panelists’ performance was poorest on question 8. Only 4 percent of members and 2 percent of the other groups correctly responded “false.” The United States accounts for 25 percent of world oil consumption.

Majorities of all groups said they believe U.S. energy production and consumption contributes to such environmental conditions as acid rain, water pollution, habitat destruction, global climate change, mercury pollution and loss of plant and animal species.  Most ministers said they believe U.S. energy production and consumption also contribute to the rise in ocean levels, but only 36 percent of members and 41 percent of elders agreed.

Panelists were most apt to attribute energy-related problems to “consumption/lifestyles.” Other factors cited most often were “economics/politics” and “how we regard nature.”

By wide margins — 65 percent of members; 68 percent of elders; 76 percent of pastors and 80 percent of specialized clergy — panelists said conservation is more important in addressing U.S. energy needs than more production.

And half or more of all the groups — ranging from 74 percent of elders to 50 percent of specialized clergy — said they think nuclear power should play a “very important” or “somewhat important” role in meeting future energy needs.

Majorities of every group agreed that their use of energy is part of their practice of stewardship, and that energy conservation reflects Christian/Reformed values.

Three-quarters of ministers and more than 40 percent of members agreed that it is unjust that Americans consume a disproportionate amount of the world’s energy. Similar percentages agreed that the world’s poor people bear a disproportionate share of the harmful burdens of energy production, such as air and water pollution.

Fewer than 20 percent of respondents in all groups — ranging from 16 percent of members to 13 percent of pastors — said they believe U.S. government “leadership and policies concerning energy” are effective. Half or more of every group said they’d like to see the government promote conservation, subsidize the development and use of renewable energy sources, require car makers to increase fuel economy and require periodic testing of vehicles for excessive emissions.

Large minorities of lay respondents — 44 percent of members and 47 percent of elders — and large majorities of ministers — 69 percent of pastors and 79 percent of specialized clergy — said they believe the United States should ratify the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty designed to reduce emissions that contribute to global climate change.

Around one-third of lay respondents and a majority of ministers said they are willing to pay higher taxes to support energy conservation efforts and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. And higher percentages — 39 percent of members, 45 percent of elders, 63 percent of pastors and 76 percent of specialized clergy — said they’d be willing “to pay more at home for electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or geothermal.”

Although more than 80 percent of all four said they groups drive alone to work each day rather than car-pool, walk, bike or take public transportation, nearly half of all panelists said they have taken steps in the past year to reduce their use of motor vehicles.  Likewise, majorities said they have tried to use less energy at home.

Nearly 90 percent of all respondents said they regularly recycle items such as newspapers, cans and bottles.

Answers: 1 false; 2 true; 3 true; 4 false; 5 true; 6 false; 7 true; 8 false.