Jack Gerard Press Call On Post 2016 Election Poll
As prepared for delivery
Press call statement
Jack Gerard
Post-Election Poll
November 10, 2016
Good morning, and thank you for joining the call.
After one of the most contentious election seasons in recent memory, it may seem like the American people don’t agree on much of anything. But if there’s one issue that earns high approval from Americans of all political identifications, it’s American energy leadership.
API conducted an election night survey of actual voters, and the findings reveal that more than 80 percent of voters agree that U.S. oil and natural gas production can help achieve each of their most important priorities: job creation, economic growth, lower energy costs, and energy security.
With drivers saving more than $550 in fuel costs and household budgets growing by $1337 due to utility and other energy-related savings in 2015, it should come as no surprise that voters appreciate the positive economic impact of U.S. energy. Americans not only recognize the benefits of the U.S. energy renaissance but they also support actions that would build on our position as the world’s leading oil and natural gas producer.
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. Eighty-one percent support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure, the poll found. On the other hand, 75 percent expressed concern about government requirements that would increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline, while 72 percent oppose higher taxes that could decrease investment in energy production and reduce energy development, including 62 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of Independents and 86 percent of Republicans.
As a candidate, President-elect Trump pledged to pursue an energy approach that would include “opening federal lands for oil and gas production, opening offshore areas, and revoking policies that are imposing unnecessary restrictions on innovative new exploration technologies.” Polling confirms that a Trump administration that pursues such forward-thinking energy policies will have strong voter support behind it.
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. And we achieved that success while leading the world in oil and natural gas production, which has created good-paying energy jobs, helped cut manufacturing costs and spurred small business activity throughout the nation. Our success demonstrates that a market-based, consumer-focused regulatory approach is the right one, whether the issue is environmental protection or fuels policy.
In his acceptance speech, President-elect Trump vowed to rebuild U.S. infrastructure. Building the pipelines and other energy infrastructure we need to keep pace with 21st century energy production could create more than 1 million shovel-ready jobs that don’t rely on taxpayer funding. Oil and natural gas pipelines transport energy at a 99.999 percent safety rate, and investing in additional energy infrastructure will ensure we can continue to deliver affordable energy to homes and businesses throughout the nation.
One final poll result captures the kind of energy strategy Americans expect and deserve. 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.
Now I’ll be happy to take your questions.