API polls show a majority of voters across the US support offshore drilling

Across the US, 67% of voters support offshore drilling for domestic oil and natural gas resources, according to a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Petroleum Institute (API)’s 'What America is Thinking on Energy Issues' series. This support bridged party lines, with clear majorities of Republicans (79%), Democrats (57%) and Independents (67%) all supporting offshore drilling.

“Americans get it: domestic oil and natural gas development is a key driver for new jobs, economic growth and energy security,” said Erik Milito, Director of Upstream and Industry Operations for API. “Our country is now firmly positioned as an energy superpower, and most Americans want our nation to seize opportunities to build upon that status.”

State-specific polls show support for offshore oil and natural gas development

Four state-specific polls showed similar levels of support for offshore oil and natural gas development in Virginia (67%), North Carolina (65%), South Carolina (77%) and Florida (64%). Nationwide, 90% of voters say producing more oil and natural gas here at home is important. Increasing domestic oil and natural gas production is also important to 88% of Virginians, 89% of North Carolinians, 91% of South Carolinians, and 87% of Floridians.

“Americans are eager to put more of our offshore energy resources to work,” said Milito. “If exploration and development is allowed to safely expand to new areas, domestic oil and natural gas could provide more energy, jobs and government revenue than ever before.”

The American Petroleum Institute

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of USA’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 550 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million US jobs and 8% of the US economy, delivers US$ 85 million/d in revenue to the government, and, since 2000, has invested over US$ 2 trillion in US capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

Methodology

The studies were conducted by telephone by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute. Study details are as follows:

The national study has a sampling error of ± 3%; state-specific studies have a sampling error of ± 4%. Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research firms, known widely for the Harris Poll.

Adapted from press release by Cecilia Rehn

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/23102013/api_polls_show_american_voters_support_offshore_drilling/