What America Is Thinking On Energy Issues - Poll: 70 Percent Of Voters Say Natural Gas Exports Will Create U.S. Jobs

Strong, bipartisan majorities of registered voters recognize the benefits of exporting U.S. natural gas, according to a national poll released by API.

“Voters understand that natural gas exports will create thousands of jobs and strengthen America’s position on the international stage,” said API Chief Economist John Felmy. “America is now the world’s top natural gas producer, and U.S. workers are ready to harness that energy to help our allies around the world and cut the trade deficit.”

The national telephone poll, conducted for API by Harris Poll among 1,000 registered voters found that:

• 70 percent of registered voters agree that exporting natural gas helps create American jobs, including 79 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of Democrats.
• 60 percent say exporting natural gas helps reduce the trade deficit, including 68 percent of voters between the ages of 18 and 34.
• 67 percent say exporting natural gas is good for the U.S. economy, including 73 percent of male voters and 61 percent female voters.
• 64 percent agree that exporting natural gas helps strengthen America’s energy security by making the U.S. a major supplier in the world's energy market.

“The economic benefits are well-established,” said Felmy. “Policymakers should act now to accelerate Department of Energy approval for dozens of pending export applications. Voters will welcome efforts to lock-in America’s trade advantage as an energy superpower.”

Felmy also expressed support for congressional efforts to fast-track U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), including legislation, H.R. 6, approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 30, 2014. The bill is expected to reach the House floor for a vote this summer, and related proposals have received bipartisan support in the Senate.

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.

Methodology
The study was conducted May 15-19, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of API among 1,000 registered voters, with a sampling error of +/- 3%. 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.