It took a hurricane, a war and gas prices topping $3 a gallon, but it appears Americans are finally deciding that perhaps energy conservation is not a bad idea.

Eight in 10 people in a Pew Research Center Poll said it's important for Americans driving sport utility vehicles to switch to a more fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce our reliance on oil, much of which is controlled by despotic, terrorist-supporting regimes.

Other poll findings included:

nJust over eight in 10 want higher fuel efficiency required for cars, trucks and SUVs.

nJust over seven in 10 want to give tax cuts to companies to develop wind, solar and hydrogen energy.

nAlmost seven in 10 want the government to establish price controls on gasoline and want more spending on subway, rail and bus systems.

nSlightly more than half, 52 percent, favor giving tax cuts to energy companies to explore for more oil.

Public opinions are obviously shifting and in the long run that will be good for America. That is if politicians respond and display the fortitude to put the security of our nation ahead of the concerns of the special interests in the oil industry n a big if.