Poll: 68 percent of South Carolina voters support offshore drilling for oil and natural gas resources

WASHINGTON, December 8, 2015 — Sixty-eight percent of South Carolina voters support offshore development of U.S. oil and natural gas resources. Voters also agree that increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could provide major benefits to the nation, including more U.S. jobs, according to a new poll released today by Harris Poll. 

"Voters in South Carolina know developing more of America's domestic energy can lead to more jobs, increased government revenues, and help put downward pressure on fuel prices," said API Upstream Group Director Erik Milito. "South Carolina has the chance to increase domestic energy production significantly by safely and responsibly developing its offshore energy.” 

The statewide telephone poll conducted for API by Harris Poll among 607 South Carolina voters between November 18-22 also found that:

• 92 percent of registered South Carolina voters agree that increased production of domestic oil and natural gas could help strengthen America’s energy security.
• 90 percent agree that it is important to produce more oil and natural gas here at home.
• 86 percent agree that producing more domestic oil and natural gas could help lower energy costs for U.S. consumers.
• 84 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.>

“South Carolina is uniquely positioned to add jobs and major capital investments,” said Milito. “As lease sales and exploratory activity are completed, job creation and revenue to the government could all begin years before the first barrel goes to market. And, with the government only planning to lease areas outside of 50 miles from the coast, any activity would not be visible from shore.”

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 650 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 November 18-22, 2015 by telephone on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 607 registered voters in South Carolina, with a sampling error of +/- 4.0%. 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.