A new Zogby poll shows that 63 percent of Americans believe offshore energy development should be expanded, despite the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. Interestingly, 62 percent of respondents also said they believe expansion plans should be postponed until the accident's cause is found.

The results seem to indicate that Americans understand the nation's need for more domestic offshore energy, but they want it to be developed safely and responsibly. The oil and natural gas industry shares their views: safety and environmental protection are among the industry's top priorities. As API's Jack Gerard explained in an op-ed yesterday, "Our goal is zero incidents, zero injuries and zero fatalities. We owe it to the nation that has placed its trust in us to responsibly develop the oil and natural gas off our coasts."

In the Zogby poll, Democrats and Republicans diverge in their opinion of the administration's offshore expansion plans. Fifty-four percent of Democrats disagree with President Obama's plans to expand offshore drilling, while 64 percent of Republicans disagree with the administration's announcement to suspend the expansion pending the outcome of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy.

The poll also asked respondents about their chief concern stemming from the oil spill. Forty-eight percent said they were most worried about the shorelines; 25 percent wondered whether the spill could affect energy prices; and 22 percent were concerned about the possible impact on the shrimp and oyster industry.

The Zogby Interactive poll was conducted between April 30 and May 3, among nearly 3,200 likely voters.