UPI reported strong bipartisan majorities of registered North Carolina voters support increased production of U.S. oil and natural gas, citing a poll by the North Carolina Petroleum Council.
“Strong majorities of North Carolina voters support more domestic oil and natural gas development, regardless of party affiliation,†said David McGowan, executive director of the NCPC. “Forward-looking policies that allow the United States to capitalize on its bright energy future are imperative for this nation to realize its job creation and economic potential.â€
The statewide telephone poll, conducted for the NCPC by Harris Poll among 600 registered voters in North Carolina found that:
• 91% say increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could lead to more jobs in the U.S., with broad agreement across the political spectrum (87% of Democrats, 91% of Independents and 97% of Republicans).
• 90% say increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure is good for American consumers.
• 89% say increased production of domestic oil and natural gas resources could help stimulate the economy.
• 87% say increased development of the country’s energy infrastructure would help strengthen America’s energy security.
• 81% say producing more domestic oil and natural gas could benefit federal and state budgets through leases payments, royalty fees and other sources of revenue.
• 73% say they support offshore drilling for domestic oil and natural gas resources.
NCPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. The study has a sampling error of +/- 4%.