New Minnesota poll support infrastructure and increasing access to American energy resources
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 7, 2018 – The Minnesota Petroleum Council today released a new poll, conducted by Harris Poll, showing that the overwhelming bipartisan majority of voters in Minnesota’s First Congressional District support increased development of Minnesota’s energy infrastructure and believe that increased access to natural gas and oil resources could help stimulate the economy, increase energy security and help lower energy costs for consumers.
“Pipelines are critical to safely delivering the energy that Minnesota consumers demand every day,” said Minnesota Petroleum Council Executive Director Erin Roth. “This poll confirms that downstate Minnesotans support increased access to our nation’s energy resources and the important role that pipelines play in delivering the oil and natural gas resources needed to heat and power our homes and fuel our region’s economy. Pipelines in our state like Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement project would support thousands of Minnesota jobs and would generate an estimated $20 million per year in state property taxes. Plus, this project will use the latest and greatest technology aimed at protecting the environment and communities across the state. As Minnesota looks at its energy needs moving forward, it’s clear where voters stand on this important issue.”
- 86 percent of voters support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure and this support is bipartisan.
- 85 percent of voters support infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas for use in premier hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic.
- 82 percent of voters support infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas for use in windmills & solar panels, and as backup energy when those sources aren’t able to provide power.
- 80 percent of voters support infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas for use in agricultural equipment and supplies.
- 66 percent of voters support infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas for use in outdoor gear and hunting equipment.
- 68 percent of voters are concerned that raising tariffs could have a negative impact on the local economy.
The poll results are posted on the API website.
The Minnesota Petroleum Council is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its 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 45 million Americans.
Methodology
The study was conducted from May 11-14, 2018, by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 603 Minnesota registered voters in the first congressional district with a sampling error of +/- 4.0 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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