Annapolis, Md., January 25, 2017 – A strong majority of registered voters across Maryland support the development of natural gas resources in Western Maryland, according to a new poll the Maryland Petroleum Council (MPC) is releasing as part of the state dialogue on hydraulic fracturing. 

“This poll shows that a majority of Maryland voters, more than a two-to-one margin across all regions in Maryland, support more domestic natural gas development,” said Drew Cobbs, executive director of MPC. “Maryland no longer has to choose between more energy and a cleaner environment. The United States has dramatically increased energy production and use even as emissions continue to decline. Natural gas is a part of the solution. 

“With drivers saving more than $550 in fuel costs and household budgets growing by $1337 due to utility and other energy-related savings in 2015, it should come as no surprise that Maryland voters appreciate the positive economic impact of energy developed in the United States. Maryland’s support for domestic energy development recognizes the benefits of the U.S. energy renaissance, including the ability to add thousands more new jobs and add tens of millions of dollars throughout the state economy.” 51 percent of Maryland voters voiced their support for the development of natural gas resources in Western Maryland. The statewide telephone poll, conducted for API by Gonzales Research and Media Services among 823 registered Maryland voters, also found that: 

• 57 percent of registered Maryland voters in Western Maryland favor the development of natural gas resources in that region. (18 percent opposing and 25 percent with no opinion) 
• 59 percent of registered Maryland voters in Baltimore City favor the development of natural gas resources in Western Maryland. (26 percent opposing and 15 percent with no opinion) 
• 50 percent of registered Maryland voters in Metro Washington area favor the development of natural gas resources in Western Maryland (21 percent opposing and 29 percent with no opinion) 
• 49 percent of registered Maryland voters on the Eastern Shore favor the development of natural gas resources in Western Maryland. (24 percent opposing and 25 percent with no opinion) 
• 49 percent of registered Maryland voters in the Metro Baltimore area favor the development of natural gas resources in Western Maryland. (23 percent opposing and 28 percent with no opinion)

MPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 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 December 14, 2016 – January 2nd, 2017 by telephone by Gonzales Research and Media Services on behalf of API among 823 registered voters in Maryland, with a sampling error of +/- 3.5 percent. A full methodology is available upon request.