Releases poll of public support for U.S. oil natural gas production

WASHINGTON, February 11, 2014 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard congratulated U.S. Senators Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., on their new committee chairmanships.

“Senator Landrieu’s chairmanship arrives at a critical moment for U.S. energy policy,” said Gerard. “With her strong support, the people of Louisiana have played a major role in America’s energy revolution, and her deep understanding of energy issues will continue to serve her well as chairman. We look forward to working with Senator Landrieu on smart policies that will strengthen American energy security and harness the full economic potential of domestic oil and natural gas production.”

Landrieu will take the gavel in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which oversees some of Washington’s most high-profile energy issues. According to a recent study conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of API, eighty-three percent of American voters support increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources. Strong majorities also agree that growing domestic oil and natural gas production could create jobs (91%), help lower energy costs for consumers (81%), and strengthen America’s energy security (88%).

“Senator Wyden has shown a keen interest in emerging energy issues, and we will continue to engage in a constructive dialogue with him in his newest role,” said Gerard. “America is in the midst of an energy revolution that is driving job creation, but higher taxes on energy could hurt production, cost jobs, and reduce revenue to the government.”

Wyden will chair the Senate Finance Committee, responsible for crafting tax policy. Eighty-two percent of American voters agree that greater domestic oil and natural gas production could generate new revenue for federal and state budgets. Strong majorities also agree that higher taxes on oil and natural gas companies could drive up energy costs for consumers (66%) and negatively impact the nation’s job market and hurt our economy (61%).

Poll Methodology The study was conducted December 19 – 22, 2013, by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 1,008 registered voters across the country, with a sampling error of +/- 3.0%. A full methodology is available upon request.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 580 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 20 million Americans.

"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.