Springfield, IL, April 17, 2014 ─ Strong bipartisan majorities of registered Illinois voters support increased investment in energy infrastructure, according to a new poll the Illinois Petroleum Council unveiled as part of a campaign highlighting the voices of Americans.

“Today’s poll shows strong majorities of Illinois voters support more domestic oil and natural gas development, regardless of party affiliation,” said James Watson, executive director of IPC. “Forward-looking policies that allow United States to capitalize on its bright energy future are imperative for this nation to realize its job creation and economic potential.

“The people of Illinois get it; America’s economic future, the availability of affordable and reliable energy, depends on the policies created today.”

IPC will use social media, advertising and API’s grassroots resources of more than 24 million Americans to communicate the importance of America’s energy future to members of Congress, the administration and elected officials at every level of government.

The national telephone poll, conducted by Harris Poll, among 602 registered voters also found that:

• 93 percent of registered American voters agree that increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure would help create jobs in the U.S. 
• 90 percent say that increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could lead to more jobs in the U.S. 
• 94 percent say increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure is good for American consumers. 
• 87 percent say increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could help stimulate the economy.

IPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.

Methodology The study was conducted April 2-9, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 602 registered voters in the United States, with a sampling of +/- 4%. A full methodology is available upon request.

"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.