New Ipsos Poll: 2 in 3 Voters View America on Wrong Track on Energy

Poll finds bipartisan opposition to vehicle mandates; broad support for reliable energy sources, including U.S. oil and natural gas 

WASHINGTON, February 27, 2024 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today released a new national poll conducted by Ipsos demonstrating widespread concern over Washington’s approach on energy policy. Two out of three American voters say the country is on the wrong track on energy policy, and following the administration’s recent pause on LNG export permits, the poll found nine in 10 Americans believe the U.S. should continue to supply natural gas to our allies overseas. With recent reports that the administration plans to impose a de-facto ban on new gas-powered vehicles, the poll found that the majority of Americans (75%) would oppose such regulations restricting consumer choice.  

Ahead of the State of the Union address, API President and CEO Mike Sommers urged the administration to harness all of America’s vast energy resources, including oil and natural gas, while advancing much-needed energy infrastructure and abandoning unpopular vehicle mandates that could impact costs and grid reliability.

“While the U.S. continues to lead the world in energy production, it’s clear the American people see that misguided policy choices today can sow the seeds of tomorrow’s energy crisis,” Sommers said. “Whether it’s partisan decisions to restrict American natural gas as a source of strength around the world and good-paying jobs here at home, or regulatory plans to dictate the type of cars consumers can drive—voters on both sides of the aisle know we are on the wrong path on energy policy. With much at stake for our economy and national security, it’s time for Washington to change course and forge a bipartisan path that embraces all reliable and affordable American energy.”  

The poll conducted by Ipsos found: 

• 2 in 3 voters (67%) believe the country is on the wrong track when it comes to the federal government’s energy policies. (Democrats 40%; Independents 71%, Republicans 88%)
• 75% oppose government regulations that would ban new gasoline, diesel and hybrid vehicles. (Democrats 56%; Independents 80%; Republicans 92%)
• 89% believe the United States should continue to supply natural gas to our European allies and other countries to help bolster our economy and strengthen our national security. (Democrats 87%; Independents 90%; Republicans 93%)
• 82% prefer an energy policy that uses an “all-of-the-above strategy” that includes oil and natural gas as well as renewable energy sources. (Democrats 70%; Independents 83%; Republicans 95%)
• 86% believe producing oil and natural gas here in America helps make our country more secure against actions by countries such as China and Russia. (Democrats 82%; Independents 88%; Republicans 91%)
• 83% support permitting reform to streamline and speed up the federal government’s process for approving energy infrastructure projects in the U.S. (Democrats 88%; Independents 82%; Republicans 81%)
• 88% support the U.S. increasing development of the country’s energy infrastructure. (Democrats 92%; Independents 87%; Republicans 85%)
• 87% support the U.S. increasing its own domestic sources of oil and natural gas rather than relying on other regions in the world. (Democrats 85%; Independents 87%; Republicans 94%)
• 84% believe producing more oil and natural gas here in the U.S. could help lower energy costs for American consumers and small businesses. (Democrats 81%; Independents 80%; Republicans 93%)

API announced its “Lights on Energy” campaign earlier this year to educate voters and policymakers on what's at stake for Americans with current energy policies and the path toward an affordable, reliable and cleaner future. 

Methodology: This Ipsos poll was conducted February 9-13, 2024, for API using the probability-based KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a representative probability sample of 1,132 adults age 18 or older in the United States who are registered to vote. The margin of sampling error for this study is +/- 3.1 percentage points.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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