API: Support for U.S. energy production spans political-party spectrum

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently re-emphasized the idea that increased oil and natural gas production will lead to numerous benefits for the American public, and recent polls show broad support across the political spectrum.

A recent poll published by API said 77 percent of voters support increased oil and natural gas production in the U.S., while 71 percent of voters oppose legislation that might trigger increases in U.S. consumers' energy expenditures.

When viewed by political party, Republicans, Independents and Democrats -- by strong majorities of 60 percent or higher -- support increased energy production and oppose legislation that would potentially lead to increased energy costs.

“The production of energy resources holds great promise for our nation when it comes to creating jobs and benefitting consumers,” API CEO Jack Gerard said. “It’s estimated that women and minorities will fill an exceptional number of the nearly 1.9 million jobs projected in the oil, natural gas and petrochemical industries by 2035, and last year, American families saw higher household disposable income from increased energy production. Americans understand that pro-growth energy policies will create jobs and shrink the income-inequality gap, and it’s up to our nation’s leaders to follow the will of the American people.”