HELENA - Longtime Montanans and newcomers are similar in their views about many aspects of life in the state, according to a poll commissioned by the energy company PPL Montana.

Pollsters found that established residents and those new to the state agree that drug abuse, particularly use of methamphetamine, is Montana's most serious issue. A shortage of good-paying jobs and rising energy costs also are on the list of the top three concerns.

Regardless of how long they have lived here, people agree that much of Montana's appeal comes from scenery, a sense of community, low crime, a clean environment and outdoor recreation, the poll found.

Ninety-one percent of longtime residents and 87 percent of newcomers said rising energy costs are a serious problem. The groups were about even, 80 percent and 78 percent respectively, in finding diminished access to public land and waterways a serious problem.

PPL released some of the survey's results Tuesday at a Helena news conference and said a full report will be released later this month.

Roper Public Affairs Group conducted the poll, with help from the University of Montana. Pollsters questioned 1,013 Montana residents by telephone from Dec. 1-14. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

PPL commissioned the survey because the company has made a substantial investment in the state and will benefit from knowing what people think about some prominent issues, said Brad Spencer, chief operating officer. The company employs about 500 people in Montana.

Officials said the survey focused on quality-of-life matters and did not venture into the energy arena, beyond general questions.

PPL Montana, part of Pennsylvania-based PPL Corp., bought most of the former Montana Power Co.'s power-generating operations about seven years ago.