With gas prices on the rise, American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers recently sought to remind leaders in Washington most Americans overwhelmingly stand in support of the country turning to a plan of developing its own domestic energy resources rather than relying on foreign sources.
“Tonight’s State of the Union address comes at a moment of uncertainty and volatility around the world, and now more than ever is the time for President Biden to confirm the United States’ role as a global energy leader and send a clear message that America will be a reliable producer and supplier of natural gas and oil at home and abroad for decades to come,” Sommers said on the API website, where he also pointed to a recent Morning Consult poll that found 90% of voters back such a plan.
“While it’s unclear what lies ahead as Russia invades Ukraine, we know one thing for sure: American energy is a positive force in difficult times, helping to provide stability for the U.S. and our allies,” Sommers said. “We have the technology, innovation and resources here in the U.S. to meet this moment while at the same time furthering progress toward our shared climate goals.”
According to the Morning Consult poll, 92% of Democrats, 90% of Republicans and 86% of independents support such a plan. In addition, 85% of all voters agree producing natural gas and oil in the U.S. would help "America maintain a leadership role during a period of global uncertainty (Democrats 82%, Republicans 91%, independents 78%).”
More than eight in 10 (80%) voters also believe that producing natural gas and oil domestically could pave the way for lower energy costs for American consumers and small businesses (Democrats 81%, Republicans 90%, independents 80%). At the same time, 84% of voters say that generating natural gas and oil at home helps make the country and its allies more secure against actions by other countries (Democrats 83%, Republicans 88%, independents 78%).
Sommers also recently wrote a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, in which he detailed steps he says the administration needs to take to ensure long-term American energy leadership and security.
Formed in 1919, API now represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry and has developed more than 700 standards aimed at improving operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.
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