Keystone Today

As the cost of gas continues to rises in Pennsylvania and across the nation, a recent poll indicates that less than half of Americans approve of President Joe Biden's job performance, especially his handling of the nation's economy.

According to an NBC News poll from earlier this month, Biden's approval ratings continue to drop, and they've hit a new low. As of May, only 39% of Americans approve of Biden’s job as president, while 56% disapprove. Among independent voters, the president's approval rating is even lower, at 33%. 

"POLL: President Joe Biden’s job approval rating has hit an all-time low," Newsmax tweeted May 15.

The survey was taken May 5 to 7 and 9 to 10 among 1,000 adults, 790 of whom were registered voters. The poll also showed 33% of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, while 62% disapprove. 

Gas prices across the country continue to climb higher every day, reminding Americans of the economic downturn the country is in. As of May 18, the national average of $4.57 per gallon is $1.53 more than a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). In Pennsylvania, the average of $4.74 per gallon is 58 cents more than a month ago and $1.59 more than a year ago.

During his first week as President, Biden signed an executive order temporarily suspending new oil and gas leases on federal lands, according to Fox Business. Last week, the Department of the Interior (DOI) canceled oil and gas lease sales for over 1 million acres in Alaska's Cook Inlet and in the Gulf of Mexico, amid record-high gas prices. While the DOI cited "lack of industry interest," Steve Milloy, a former Trump-Pence EPA transition member and founder of JunkScience.com, blamed the president. 

"I blame Biden for all lack of production. He has scared away investment," Milloy told Fox Business last week. He further suggested that the president will find "any excuse to not drill. They even tried to use the social cost of carbon decision to stop leasing."

According to AAA, the steady climb in pump prices is primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which is hovering near $110 a barrel. 

“The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said, according to AAA's website. “Even the annual seasonal demand dip for gasoline during the lull between spring break and Memorial Day, which would normally help lower prices, is having no effect this year.”