Voters say U.S. should do more to develop oil & natural gas

Offshore arena is chance for policymakers to show leadership

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2014 – Large majorities of registered voters, both Republican and Democrat, support producing more oil and natural gas in the U.S. and say they would be more likely to vote for candidates who support development, according to a national poll API released today during a conference call with reporters.

“American voters want more oil and natural gas produced here at home but do not see the federal government stepping up,” said API Upstream Group Director Erik Milito. “The U.S. today prohibits oil and natural gas development in 87 percent of its offshore territory. Policymakers can show real leadership by opening more offshore areas to exploration and drilling.

“Expanding oil and natural gas development into the Atlantic, Pacific and eastern Gulf of Mexico would create good jobs, generate revenue for the government and strengthen our national security at the same time.”

The national telephone poll, conducted for API by Harris Poll among 1,012 registered voters found that:

• 77 percent support increased production of America’s oil and natural gas resources, including 92 percent of Republicans, 80 percent of Independents and 66 percent of Democrats. 
• 68 percent support offshore drilling for domestic oil and natural gas resources, including 80 percent of Republicans, 72 percent of Independents and 61 percent of Democrats. 
• 68 percent would also be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports offshore drilling and producing more oil and natural gas from here in the U.S., including 80 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Independents and 59 percent of Democrats. 
• Only 28 percent think the federal government does enough to encourage the development of oil and natural gas resources in the U.S., including just 12 percent of Republicans, 31 percent of Independents and 40 percent of Democrats. 
• 80 percent agree that producing more domestic oil and natural gas could help strengthen America’s national security by lessening the negative impacts of political instability occurring in other parts of the world.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.

Methodology
The study was conducted July 10-13, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of API among 1,012 registered voters, with a sampling error of +/- 3%. A full methodology is available upon request.

“What America is Thinking on Energy Issues" is a public opinion series provided by API, offering data to inform policy discussions and ensure policymakers and others know Americans' perspectives on key energy issues.

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What America is Thinking - Production and Offshore Drilling

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