by Casey Harper
The latest polling data shows voters in several key battleground states support domestic oil drilling in November.
The poll was commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute but conducted by the renowned polling firm Morning Consult.
According to votemore than 90% of voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are concerned about inflation.
“Voters in swing states are concerned about inflation and financial stress. They see a role for domestically produced natural gas and oil in helping consumers and small businesses,” the poll found.
The poll found that in those same seven states, 80% or more of voters support “increasing U.S. production of natural gas and oil, which could help lower energy and utility costs for American consumers and small businesses.”
Some 70% or more of voters in those same states “oppose government mandates that would ban the use of gas stoves, gas furnaces, or new gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.”
Experts estimate that such regulations would significantly enhance costs, while supporters of the up-to-date rules point to health and climate concerns.
Prices have risen more than 20% since President Joe Biden took office.
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to unveil a plan on Thursday to aid rein in prices, though critics were quick to criticize the “price controls” elements of the plan, saying it does not address government spending that has fueled inflation.
Government spending is compensated by printing money, which increases the overall money supply and, as a result, inflation.
Rising food and energy costs are contributing significantly to inflation, although prices of all types of goods and services have increased.
Domestic oil production has been a controversial political issue for years, with Democrats largely calling for drilling to be curtailed or halted altogether, citing climate concerns. Republicans largely calling for drilling to be expanded or at least continued to create more jobs, lower costs and make the United States less dependent on often-hostile Middle Eastern nations.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for greater American energy independence.
“The United States continues to lead the world in energy production, but the American people recognize that our leaders in Washington must advance an agenda that will expand our nation’s energy advantage for decades to come,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said in a statement. “With geopolitical tensions rising and inflation remaining a primary concern, we need policies that strengthen the role of American energy on the global stage and support access to the affordable, reliable energy consumers need.”
– – –
Casey Harper is a senior reporter Central Square Washington, DC bureau. He previously worked for The Daily Caller, The Hill and Sinclair Broadcast Group. A graduate of Hillsdale College, Casey has also appeared on Fox News, Fox Business and USA Today.
Photo “Oil Drilling Rig” by Eric Kounce.
