Ouch.

Few Presbyterians ace energy quiz

Not one of 1,600 in poll could answer eight true/false questions

by Jerry L. Van Marter

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):

1. Compared to 20 years ago, the overall energy efficiency of U.S. motor vehicles has improved.
2. The burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of recent global climate change.
3. On average, food in the U.S. travels more than 1,200 miles to get from the farmer to the consumer.
4. The United States government’s long-term plan for dealing with nuclear waste is to ship the waste to outer space.
5. Only a little over one-third of the energy used in a conventional oil or coal-fired power plant is converted into electricity.
6. Less than a quarter of all petroleum consumed in the United States is imported.
7. Of renewable resources used by electric utilities (such as hydro-electric, solar, wind), wind currently generates the most power.
8. 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.

The article gives plenty of hope that Presbyterians hold rather progressive energy ideas, but we're pretty bad with the facts. I wonder how that can be, with AM Radio telling us the energy industry's party line for 12 hours every day and calling anyone who disagrees un-American?

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

(Via Presbyterian News Service.)