An extensive area in the region of Hepirus (including areas in the regional units of Ioannina and Thesprotia) belongs to the territories of Greece, in which oil explorations are going to be made. There are some indications (from previous explorations) that oil and gas deposits of small - scale exist in Hepirus. Despite the fact that the deposits seem to be quite small, their potential exploitation will result in important changes in the economy of the area. It should be also noted that such investments have environmental impacts. Taking these facts into account, in this paper, the results of a survey among the households of the regional unit of Ioannina is presented. The survey was related to the public attitude towards the possibility of oil exploitation in the area. Regional development planning should not neglect the social parameter, especially in cases of investments / interventions that have significant impacts. The results of the survey show that the citizens are positive towards oil extraction in the area of Ioannina but, at the same time, they show great concern about its environmental dimensions.