At this year’s State of American Energy event, we highlighted the impact of energy policy on the lives and livelihoods of families and businesses in every state. The connection between policy and pocketbooks is evident after a year in which Americans saved an average $550 per driver on gasoline, due largely to strong U.S. oil and natural gas production. But to maintain the economic and security benefits of America’s 21st century energy renaissance, we’ll need to make smart policy choices that increase access to energy resources, encourageinfrastructure development, rein in misguided ethanol policy and curb costly, duplicative regulations.

New regional polling shows that voters across the nation understand the importance of American energy and support pro-energy policies:

East

• 79 percent support increased production of U.S. oil and natural gas resources
• 78 percent support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure

Southeast

• 88 percent agree that increased access could help create jobs
• 64 percent support offshore drilling for oil and natural gas

Gulf Coast

• 74 percent are concerned about government requirements for higher ethanol blends
• 79 percent support offshore drilling for oil and natural gas

Central

• 82 percent support increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure
• 74 percent are concerned about government requirements for higher ethanol blends

Mountain West

• 74 percent oppose legislation that could increase the cost of oil and natural gas operations
• 83 percent support increased production of oil and natural gas

Pacific

• 79 percent believe government regulations can contribute to increased costs for gasoline
• 67 percent oppose higher taxes that could decrease energy production

Arctic

• 82 percent support increased production of U.S. oil and natural gas resources
• 84 percent agree increased access could help strengthen energy security

Before the holidays, Congress took an important step toward moving American energy policy into the 21st century by voting to remove ‘70s-era restrictions on crude oil exports. As lawmakers convene for the second session of the 114th Congress, they should keep the momentum going and follow the lead of American voters on energy.

By Jack Gerard 

Originally posted January 7, 2016

Energy Tomorrow is brought to you by the American Petroleum Institute (API), which is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 500 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry.