TAYO ELEGBEDE
A new poll released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) has revealed that voters in the United States election will likely back a candidate who supports policies that ensure consumers continue to have access to natural gas and oil produced in the U.S.
Incumbent President and candidate of Republican Party, Donald Trump, is expected to square it out with Democratic Party, Joe Biden in the November 2020 election.
The poll, which was conducted by Morning Consult, a non-partisan survey firm, said that 64 percent of respondents are “much more likely” or “somewhat more likely” to vote for a pro-oil and gas candidate.
The poll, according to API, shows that voters across the country are ready to back candidates who support oil and natural gas development because they believe the American-made energy has been vital in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the API Chief Executive Officer, Mike Sommers, the strong support for oil and natural gas is the big takeaway heading into November as the poll surveyed voters in 12 different swing states including Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
It added that those energy-producing states will help decide whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden wins the White House and if Republicans or Democrats take control of Congress.
The poll disclosed that nearly 60 per cent of respondents said it was “very” or “extremely important” that the United States continues “to improve how to get natural gas and oil to make it more efficient” and 82 per cent said that oil and natural gas provides “a great deal of value” or “some value” to their lives.
While 75 per cent said they “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that oil and natural gas are “essential to a modern lifestyle,” another 74 percent agree that Congress should invest in natural gas to help lower carbon emissions.
The poll further revealed that majority of respondents also stated they value the contribution of oil and natural gas in helping the economy bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic with 63 per cent saying it has a “very important” or “somewhat important” role, while 66 percent agreed that oil and natural products byproducts “help make medical devices and protective equipment that are critical to healthcare providers and patients.”
Looking ahead, poll respondents see a major role for oil and natural gas in America’s future energy mix, with 73 percent saying the fuels will play “a very significant role” or “somewhat” significant role” in meeting energy needs 20 years from now.
“As we approach the election, it is clear a majority of voters know and support the critical role the natural gas and oil industry plays in driving the economic recovery, keeping energy costs low and protecting national security,” API boss stated.
Sommers noted that Trump has consistently stated his support for American-made energy and has advanced policies to boost oil and natural gas production, while Biden has said he wants to ban fracking on public land but will allow the practice to continue elsewhere.
“U.S. energy leadership has been a priority of every one of our last seven presidents, Democrat and Republican, a trend this polling shows American voters want to see continue.
“Proposals to ban U.S. energy production are out of step with bipartisan support for an all-of-the-above energy approach and would set America back by returning us to the days of relying on foreign energy,” he remarked.
In addition to supporting pro-oil and natural gas candidates, he said several questions revealed just how important these fuels are to American consumers and workers, and that there is also support for continuing efforts to make oil and natural gas development better for the environment with 83 per cent agreeing that producers should “continue to work with the best minds to develop and apply new technologies to allow for cleaner and smarter energy production.”
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