Gerard: American voters are overwhelmingly pro-energy

Carlton Carroll | 202.682.8114 | carrollc@api.org

WASHINGTON, November 3, 2015 – One year before Election Day, 71 percent of voters say they are more likely to support a candidate who supports producing more oil and natural gas, (64 percent of Democrats and 85 percent of Republicans), according to a telephone poll among registered voters conducted for API by Harris Poll.

“Pro-energy policies are a clear winner because likely voters from both parties recognize its key role in job creation and economic growth,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Voters say they support candidates who stand behind pro-development, all-of-the-above energy policies. The results of our poll provide a lesson for candidates running in 2016: pro-energy policies win.”

Eighty-six percent of voters recognize that increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could lead to more U.S. jobs, and 84 percent recognize it could stimulate our economy.

Other poll results:

Eighty-five percent of voters say increased access to oil and natural gas resources could strengthen America’s energy security, and 78 percent think it could help lower consumer energy costs.
On the Renewable Fuel Standard, 72 percent of voters are concerned about government requirements to increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline given the fact most auto manufacturers don’t warranty their vehicles against potential damages.
On exports, 61 percent support exporting natural gas and oil to assist America’s allies.

“Through our Vote4Energy education and advocacy effort, API will be encouraging a comprehensive conversation about our energy future by engaging voters, policymakers and our network of 35 million and growing grassroots activists,” Gerard said. “The electoral decisions we collectively make in 2016 will be fundamental to the trajectory of our nation’s energy, economic and national security future. Future generations are looking to us to get our nation’s energy policy right and are counting on us to leave them a country that is second-to-none in energy production, security and economic prosperity.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.

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Methodology

The study was conducted on October 15-25, 2015, by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 2,801 registered voters across the U.S., with a sampling error of +/- 2 percent. 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 on Energy Issues - Fall 2015 Questionnaire

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What America Is Thinking On Energy Issues Charts - Fall 2015

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Gerard: American voters are overwhelmingly pro-energy

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