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Energy and infrastructure key in US election

Oilfield Technology,


A recent poll conducted by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) has continued to examine what role the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Keystone XL, offshore production and other energy issues could play in the 2016 US presidential election. And as echoed in poll results from Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, voters in Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia have reinforced that energy policy will be an important issue when they cast their votes next year.

Key findings

  • Majorities of voters in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia have heard about the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and support it.
  • Across states, more than 80% of voters say energy will be a significant factor on how they vote.
  • Presidential candidates will need to take a strong stance on pipeline construction and energy development.
  • Voters overwhelmingly believe pipelines are the safest means to transport natural gas.
  • Voters support expanding offshore exploration, constructing the Keystone XL and generating electricity via coal fired power plants.

In the latest poll, CEA found that 56% of voter ins Virginia, 70% in West Virginia and 55% in North Carolina support the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Across all three states, voters support the project by over 30 points. The poll also indicated that voters of all political affiliations support expanding offshore exploration, constructing the Keystone XL, keeping coal fired power plants operational, and expanding shale production via hydraulic fracturing.

Results from the poll indicate that citizens of North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia also support the development of energy infrastructure, especially in regards to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Voters pointed to a number of reasons for their position on the pipeline, with jobs being mentioned the most frequently, followed by an anticipated reduction in the price of natural gas. The contribution to US energy independence and the general positive impact the pipeline will have on the economy were also cited as reasons for support.

Comments

David Holt, CEA President said, “as the primary reason approaches, presidential candidates will need to take a strong stance on energy issues for the 2016 election. As we have seen in the past, the success of candidates in 2016 will hinge on their ability to promote issues that foster economic and job growth while ensuring safety and the protection of our environment. This can be achieved through the promotion of energy infrastructure and production, which will contribute to US self sufficiency, stimulate the economy, and create jobs. It is clear from CEA’s polling that energy policy will be top of mind when voters cast their ballots in this upcoming election. Voters clearly support the development of energy infrastructure, such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project. In order to win, candidates are going to have side with voters.”

Edited from press release by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/12062015/energy-infrastructure-us-key/

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