American voters have spoken, energy won the 2016 election

WASHINGTON, November 10, 2016 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard said American voters of all political stripes agreed that the country needs strong energy leadership to create jobs, lower fuel costs for consumers, enhance our energy security, and lower emissions. In a press call with reporters, Gerard revealed the results of an API actual voter poll conducted on election night.

“Eighty percent of voters support increased development of U.S. oil and natural gas resources including 71 percent of Democrats, 94 percent of Republicans and 76 percent of Independents,” said Gerard.

“Voters want a Congress and administration that works for their interests. And just as there is bipartisan voter support for energy priorities, there is an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats in Congress to work toward pro-development policies that provide economic growth, job creation and energy security.

“With the oil and natural gas industry facing 145 regulations or other policy-setting activities that could discourage production, preventing regulatory overreach should be a top priority. A combination of industry innovation, market forces and existing standards have proven effective for keeping hydraulic fracturing safe and reducing emissions of ozone, methane and carbon. In fact, the United States leads the world in reduction of carbon emissions, with clean-burning natural gas driving emissions in the power sector to 25-year lows.

“Seventy-seven percent of voters say they support a national energy policy that ensures a secure supply of abundant, affordable and available energy for the American people in an environmentally responsible manner. That description serves both as a good summary of what the American energy revolution is accomplishing and as a guiding principle for the next administration’s energy policy.

“We look forward to working with the new Congress and the Trump administration to implement voters’ energy priorities and maintain America’s global energy leadership.”

Other poll results: 

• 81 percent support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure.
• 75 percent expressed concern about government requirements that would increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline.
• 72 percent oppose higher taxes that could decrease investment in energy production and reduce energy development.
• 77 percent support natural gas’ role in reducing GHGs.
• 92 percent believe it is important that gasoline & diesel fuels are helping reduce air pollution.
• 77 percent oppose legislation that could increase the cost of domestic oil and natural gas operations and thus potentially drive up consumer costs.

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 30 million Americans.

Methodology 

The study was conducted on November 8, 2016, by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 890 actual voters across the U.S., with a sampling error of +/- 3 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.