Poll: Majority support Keystone pipeline

A majority of Americans support construction of the Keystone XL oil sands pipeline, according to a new CNN/ORC poll.

It found that 57 percent of the 1,011 surveyed are in favor of building the $8 billion oil sands pipeline. 

{mosads}Respondents were surveyed on Dec. 18-21. Only 28 percent opposite the project, and 15 percent are unsure, CNN said. 

The poll comes as the Senate is preparing for a weeks-long battle over legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, which has been met with a veto threat from the president. 

Similar to the Senate, where the vote will be cast mainly down party lines, the pipeline divides the public, with 80 percent of Republicans backing it compared to 39 percent of Democrats. 

Additionally, support is divided among age groups. The strongest support comes from those 65 and older at 67 percent. The weakest support comes in at 47 percent among those between 18 and 34.