What America is Thinking on Energy Issues – Poll: Large majorities of Virginia voters support investments in oil and natural gas

RICHMOND, Va., April 23, 2014 – Strong bipartisan majorities of registered Virginia voters support increased investment in energy infrastructure, according to a new poll the Virginia Petroleum Council is unveiling as part of a campaign highlighting the voices of Americans.

“Today’s poll shows strong majorities of Virginia voters support more domestic oil and natural gas development, regardless of party affiliation,” said Michael Ward, executive director of the Virginia Petroleum Council. “Seventy percent of Virginia voters support offshore drilling for domestic oil and natural gas resources. These numbers reflect the strong bipartisan support of our governor, members of Congress, and other state leaders for bringing offshore energy development to Virginia. Forward-looking policies that allow the United States to capitalize on its bright energy future are imperative for this nation to realize its job creation and economic potential.

“The people of Virginia get it; America’s economic future, the availability of affordable and reliable energy, depends on the policies created today.”

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Virginia Petroleum Council will use social media, advertising and API’s grassroots resources of more than 24 million Americans to communicate the importance of America’s energy future to members of Congress, the administration and elected officials at every level of government.

The state-wide telephone poll, conducted for API by Harris Poll among 601 registered Virginia voters also found that:

• 92 percent of registered Virginia voters agree that increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure would help create jobs in the U.S. 
• 94 percent say that increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could lead to more jobs in the U.S. 
• 91 percent say increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure is good for American consumers. 
• 91 percent say increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could help stimulate the economy.

The Virginia Petroleum Council is a division of API, which 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 April 9-15, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 601 registered voters in Virginia, with a sampling error of +/- 4%. 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 - Access & Infrastructure - Virginia

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