The gas crunch has had a big effect on public opinion relating to offshore drilling. A Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll of N.J. residents (published in the Aug. 3 issue of Gannett’s Asbury Park Press) revealed a 56 percent approval rate for drilling off the New Jersey Shore. Public opinion used to be solidly against that activity, and all N.J. politicians have traditionally opposed any mention of it.
