WASHINGTON, October 29, 2013 – Fifty-six percent of voters nationwide oppose changes to the tax code that could decrease investment in energy production and reduce energy development in the United States, according to a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive for API’s “What America is Thinking on Energy Issues” series.

“An energy and manufacturing revolution is taking place in America,” said API Director of Tax and Accounting Policy Stephen Comstock. “Well-crafted tax reform could complement America’s rise as an energy superpower. But badly done, tax reform could significantly harm America’s energy production, cost jobs and revenue to the government, and make us less energy secure.”

Fifty-four percent of Democrats, 63 percent of Republicans, and 56 percent of Independents said they would oppose changes in the tax code that could decrease investment in energy production and reduce energy development in the United States.

An overwhelming majority of voters (81 percent) agreed that politicians in Washington should solve the country's budget issues without raising energy taxes.

“Whenever the debate in Washington turns to spending and debt, a few politicians repeatedly haul out proposals for punitive tax increases on oil and natural gas,” said Comstock. “This is not a popular idea.”

Ninety-one percent of voters said developing more domestic energy here in the U.S. is important, a sentiment reflected by API’s 15 million strong and growing network of grassroots activists. Majorities also felt that raising taxes on oil and natural gas companies could drive up energy costs for consumers (69 percent) and negatively impact the country’s job market and hurt the economy (56 percent).

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 550 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

Methodology The study was conducted by telephone September 25-30 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 1,001 registered voters across the country, with a sampling error of +/- 3 percent. Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research firms, known widely for the Harris Poll. For more information, visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

"What America is Thinking on Energy Issues" is a public opinion series provided by API, offering data to inform policy discussions and ensure policymakers and others know Americans' perspectives on key energy issues.