70 Percent of Votors Favor More Oil and Natural Gas Development

What America is Thinking on Energy Issues

Washington, D.C., January 18, 2012 – Seventy percent of American voters favor increased access to U.S. oil and natural gas resources, and similar numbers believe more oil and natural gas development would provide major benefits to the nation, including more U.S. jobs, according to a new poll released today.

“Voters know developing more of America’s homegrown energy makes sense for our economy and our energy security,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Our economy will demand large amounts of oil and natural gas for at least several more decades even as the role of alternative energy increases. Common sense says we should have Americans producing that oil and gas here at home as much as possible.”

The recent API telephone poll, conducted by Harris Interactive, among 1,005 registered voters found that large majorities believe that more U.S. oil and natural gas development could lead to more American jobs (87 percent), help the U.S. economy and reduce consumer energy costs (83 percent), increase the nation’s energy security (82 percent), and deliver more revenue to the government (72 percent). Over two-thirds (70 percent) believe that some in Washington are intentionally delaying domestic oil and natural gas development, potentially hurting the economy and leading to higher energy costs for consumers.

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