Washington, DC, April 24, 2014 ─ American voters of all political affiliations overwhelming support building the Keystone XL pipeline, according to new polling conducted for API by Harris Poll, API Downstream Operations Senior Manager, Refining and Oil Sands Cindy Schild told reporters this morning.

“Numerous polls have demonstrated strong voter support for the pipeline, but this latest poll also examines the potential political consequences of failure to act on Keystone. Ninety-five percent of voters believe the federal government should focus on energy issues including 70 percent who describe energy as ‘very important.’ Eight in ten voters indicate their vote in the upcoming election will be influenced by a politician's stand on energy issues while almost seven in 10 (68 percent) report they would be more likely to support a candidate who supports approving Keystone XL.

“If the energy security benefits of Keystone XL weren’t obvious already, the Ukrainian crisis demonstrates the consequences for nations unable to secure a reliable flow of energy. The U.S. has the ability to obtain 100 percent of our liquid fuel supply from stable North American sources within 10 years.

“Unfortunately, President Obama has decided to side with a billionaire activist and a handful of shrill extremists instead of the thousands of skilled American workers who have been shut out of the good paying jobs KXL would provide. The president’s lack of political leadership is hurting middle class Americans. If the White House refuses to heed the analysis of its own State Department and the will of American voters, it’s up to Congress to act on behalf of the American people and approve Keystone XL. It will create thousands of American jobs, and increase our energy and national security.”

The nationwide telephone poll, conducted by Harris Poll, among 1000 registered voters also found that:

• 78 percent of registered voters agree that KXL is in the U.S. national interest. 
• 60 percent of Democrats say they will be more likely to support a candidate if that candidate supports approving KXL. 
• 53 percent agree that if KXL is not approved, it would send a message to Putin that America is not as serious about energy security as it should be.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.

Methodology The study was conducted April 16-20, 2014, by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute among 1000 registered voters, with a sampling error of +/- 3%. A full methodology is available upon request.

"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.