An independent survey commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association has found that a vast majority of Ontario residents are in favour of tapping wind energy, even if they live within a mile of a proposed wind farm.

And, in the meantime, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed two bills that would hike taxes on oil companies while providing incentives to renewable energy developments, including wind and biomass.

The Ontario survey was conducted by Innovative Research Group Inc., and fully completed interviews with 605 persons in areas where wind turbines are either proposed or already exist, including Melancthon, Huron/Bruce County, Erie Shores, and Norfolk.

It covered all age groups, with an almost equal split between male and female. Forty-seven per cent of respondents had employment or a business within the community, 24 per cent were pensioners, 4 per cent were farmers.

Among property owners, 80 per cent said their property was not suited to a wind turbine, and 9 per cent said it was.

Nine in 10 respondents agreed that wind energy is an environmentally friendly way to meet Ontario's energy needs, while two-thirds strongly agreed that renewable energy is the responsible thing to do, the survey says.

In addition, the survey found that three out of four residents believe wind farms symbolize a greener future for Canada, and 89% of respondents who live within one mile of a wind farm support its development. Seven in 10 are "not nervous" about having a wind farm located near them.

The survey was conducted between April 23 and 25. Statisticians say a sampling of the size is considered accurate to plus or minus 3.46 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

In the U.S. development, the House voted 221-189 to impose $16-billion in new taxes on the oil industry, and 241-172 to provide unspecified billions in tax incentives to renewable energy development.

At the same time, it will press for more efficiency in lighting and electrical appliances, as well as for increased use of biofuels.

"We are turning to the future," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was quoted as saying in an Associated Press report.

In addition to the new taxes and tax incentives, the House would require that all investor-owned electric utilities generate a minimum of 15 per cent of their electricity from renewable energy sources.

The bill also calls for more stringent energy efficiency standards for appliances and lighting and incentives for building more energy-efficient "green" buildings.

It would authorize special bonds for cities and counties to reduce energy demand.

Ms. Pelosi is quoted as saying it is essential to commit to renewable energy, to "help address global warming and make the county more energy-independent."

The Democrat representative from California said it's for the benefit of future generations.