Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming released statewide polling data today that shows Wyoming residents overwhelming support oil and gas development. According to the poll, conducted January 21-23, 2020, 86% of Wyoming voters approve of oil and natural gas production in Wyoming, including 71% of voters who strongly approve. Oil and natural gas development has a majority approval across geographic region, education level, age, gender, and political party registration.
A strong majority (76%) of Wyoming voters are confident that economic activities such as oil and gas exploration, grazing, timber, and mining can be compatible with recreation, hunting, fishing and preservation. Seventy-two percent of voters believe the number of regulations are about right (40%) or that there are too many regulations (32%) on the oil and natural gas industry currently.
Wyoming residents also recognize the importance of oil and natural gas to the state economy and national security. More than eight-in-ten voters believe their local economy receives a great deal (64%) or a good deal (20%) of economic benefit from drilling. Eighty-five percent (85%) of Wyoming voters also believe that due to instability in the Middle East, oil and natural gas production in Wyoming provides an important asset for our national security.
“This polling confirms that Wyoming knows the true value of oil and natural gas to our everyday lives,” said Pete Obermueller, President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming. “Wyoming residents understand the importance of oil and natural gas production for jobs, economic benefits, tax revenues and national security. The oil and natural gas industry is the bedrock of the Wyoming economy and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”
The above information was shared by the Petroleum Association of Wyoming.