America’s natural gas producers have found support from an unlikely source: left-wing NGOs Data for Progress and the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI). New data from these anti-natural gas organizations found that 68 percent of voters have a positive view of natural gas, including majorities across all demographics. Curiously, that finding didn’t make the highlight reel in their latest report attacking natural gas.
The findings should not come as a surprise. As Energy In Depth has previously examined, natural gas enjoys strong bipartisan support, including in states with aggressive climate policies such as New York. Americans value natural gas because they experience its benefits every day: affordable energy, reliable power, and lower emissions.
Natural Gas Keeps Costs Low While Reducing Emissions
The poll found that 68 percent of voters also agree that natural gas provides affordable household electricity. That’s because it does.
The shale revolution dramatically increased domestic supply, helping keep U.S. natural gas prices among the lowest in the world. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, lower natural gas prices are helping reduce wholesale electricity costs across the country.
Natural gas also comes through during a crisis. During Winter Storm Fern, natural gas maintained power and heating reliability across the Northeast when energy demand surged. While intermittent resources struggle during periods of extreme weather, natural gas infrastructure continues delivering fuel for home heating and electricity generation.
And, likely much to the disappointment of the report’s authors, their own poll found that most voters consider natural gas a clean energy source. Despite frequent claims of “greenwashing,” natural gas has been the leading contributor to reductions in U.S. power-sector carbon dioxide emissions since 2005. More abundant natural gas has enabled electricity producers to replace higher-emitting fuels while continuing to provide reliable and affordable power.
Failed Exposé Exposes eNGO Hypocrisy
Despite years of campaigning against natural gas, environmental activists continue to run into the same obstacle: reality. As Tim Stewart, President of the U.S. Oil and Gas Association previously observed:
“Critics of our industry have frequently tried to blame natural gas for a variety of ills since the advent of the shale revolution. Fortunately for U.S. consumers, these claims have always run headlong into reality, enabling them to continue enjoying the benefits of this incredibly abundant and affordable energy gift.”
Ironically, these findings emerged from a broader report intended to “expose” the natural gas industry. Instead, it documented exactly why Americans continue to support it: it’s affordable, reliable, and increasingly recognized for its role in reducing emissions.
Bottom Line: After years of attacking natural gas, activists accidentally documented its popularity instead. Climate activists’ own results show that Americans don’t want policies or frivolous litigation that make energy more expensive: they want access to abundant, affordable natural gas that keeps their air conditioning running, lights on, and costs low. That’s a reality even the industry’s loudest critics couldn’t poll away.
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