Strong support for Canadian oil supply

A significant majority of American voters would like to the country to rely more on oil from Canada to meet needs, rather than from other countries, according to a poll by Harris Interactive for American Petroleum Institute (API).

Voters feel better about importing oil from Canada knowing that Canadian oilsands developments and the Keystone XL pipeline will bring significant job creation in the US for Americans and increase the nation’s energy security.

‘President Obama has acknowledged the importance of importing more of Canada’s oil to help, meet our nation’s energy needs,’ said API Executive Vice President Mary Durbin. ‘As our polling shows, this puts him on the same page as most Americans. We hope it also is an indication his administration will do what’s best for our nation’s economic and energy security by approving the Keystone XL project.’

Additionally, voters reacted very positively to the fact that for every dollar the US spends on Canadian oil, up to 90 cents is returned to the US by Canadians through the purchase of goods and services.

Key findings of the poll include:

• Most Americans are not aware of how much Canadian oil is sent to the US every day, and 65% underestimate the amount that is imported from Canada.
• Most Americans (79%) feel that more US imports of oil should come from Canada.
• 80% believe US policies should support use of Canadian oilsands and should allow pipelines to transport the oil into America.
• Almost 9 out of 10 voters felt better about importing oil from Canada knowing that Canada is a friendly ally and neighbour, and that the Keystone XL pipeline will immediately create up to 20 000 jobs for Americans.

The telephone survey of 924 registered voters was conducted between October 28^th and October 31^st, 2011 and has a sampling error of +/- 3.2%.

‘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 other know Americans’ perspectives on key energy issues.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/04112011/strong_support_for_canadian_oil_supply/