Voters Nationwide Support Pro-Energy Policies
Jack Gerard
Posted January 7, 2016
At this year’s State of American Energy event, we highlighted the impact of energy policy on the lives and livelihoods of families and businesses in every state. The connection between policy and pocketbooks is evident after a year in which Americans saved an average $550 per driver on gasoline, due largely to strong U.S. oil and natural gas production. But to maintain the economic and security benefits of America’s 21st century energy renaissance, we’ll need to make smart policy choices that increase access to energy resources, encourage infrastructure development, rein in misguided ethanol policy and curb costly, duplicative regulations.
New regional polling shows that voters across the nation understand the importance of American energy and support pro-energy policies:
East
- 79 percent support increased production of U.S. oil and natural gas resources
- 78 percent support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure
Southeast
- 88 percent agree that increased access could help create jobs
- 64 percent support offshore drilling for oil and natural gas
Gulf Coast
- 74 percent are concerned about government requirements for higher ethanol blends
- 79 percent support offshore drilling for oil and natural gas
Central
- 82 percent support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure
- 74 percent are concerned about government requirements for higher ethanol blends
Mountain West
- 74 percent oppose legislation that could increase the cost of oil and natural gas operations
- 83 percent support increased production of oil and natural gas
Pacific
- 79 percent believe government regulations can contribute to increased costs for gasoline
- 67 percent oppose higher taxes that could decrease energy production
Arctic
- 82 percent support increased production of U.S. oil and natural gas resources
- 84 percent agree increased access could help strengthen energy security
Before the holidays, Congress took an important step toward moving American energy policy into the 21st century by voting to remove ‘70s-era restrictions on crude oil exports. As lawmakers convene for the second session of the 114th Congress, they should keep the momentum going and follow the lead of American voters on energy.
About The Author
Jack N. Gerard is president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. He also has served as the president and CEO of trade associations representing the chemical and mining industries. Jack understands how Washington works. He spent several years working in the U.S. Senate and House, and co-founded a Washington-based government relations consulting firm. A native of Idaho, Jack also is very active in the Boy Scouts of America, a university graduate program on politics, and his church’s leadership. He and his wife are the proud parents of eight children, including twin boys adopted from Guatemala.