Causing the greatest environmental disaster in American history makes an activity much less popular with Americans. Even Fox News says so. Its latest poll (PDF) found a plurality, 48 percent, now oppose increased offshore drilling. Only 44 percent still favor increased drilling. This is a 10 percent increase for the opposition and a 10 percent drop in support compared with Fox’s poll on May 18 and 19.

That represents a huge 20-point swing on the issue in less than a month, and the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is not even close to being over. At this moment, more oil is still pouring into the gulf, and slicks should start making landfall at more places along the coast.

Support for expanded offshore drilling has a lot further to fall in the near term. As this disaster continues to get worse and affect more lives, businesses and ecosystems in the coming months, more people will come to the conclusion that it’s an activity not worth the incredible risk.