Support for Oil and Gas Continues To Grow In Ohio

A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows that support for oil and gas exploration continues to rise among Ohio voters.  Ohio voters now support oil and gas development by an overwhelming 67 percent, up four points from the April 19^th poll.  These numbers should come as no surprise, as Ohio has seen the tremendous benefits associated with continued development, including supporting 38,000 jobs.  This latest poll also shows that support for oil and gas development in Ohio is not a red or blue issue, but rather one that enjoys strong bipartisan support.

For the first time since Quinnipiac began polling with this question in January of 2012, a majority of Democrat leaning voters now supports continued oil and gas development in Ohio.  In the June poll, 51 percent of Democrats surveyed supported oil and gas development in Ohio, up from 43 percent in April – a gain of eight points in just three months!

June’s poll also shows growing support among independent voters, with 68 percent supporting the industry, an increase of two points from April.  In addition, females polled also showed significant growth in support of the industry, with 62 percent of women supporting development, compared to 56 percent in April. Support continues to climb regardless of age or education level, as well.

Below are the key cross-tabs for the June poll, followed by the April poll for comparison.

                       June 25, 2013 Quinnipiac Poll

 36. Some people say there should be drilling for natural gas and oil in Ohio because of the potential economic benefits. Others say there should not be drilling for natural gas and oil in Ohio because of the potential environmental impact. Which comes closer to your point of view?

                 Tot    Rep    Dem    Ind    Men    Wom

Drilling         67%    83%    51%    68%    71%    62%

No drilling      26     14     40     25     22     31

DK/NA             7      2      9      6      7      7

               COLLEGE DEG   ANNUAL HSHOLD INC    AGE IN YRS.......

               Yes    No     <50K  50-100 >100K   18-29 30-44 45-64 65+

 Drilling       64%    68%    61%    73%    69%    63%    68%    67%  68%

No drilling    31     25     29     23     27     28     28     26   24

DK/NA           5      8     10      4      4      9      4      8    8

                      April 19, 2013 Quinnipiac Poll

 21. Some people say there should be drilling for natural gas and oil in Ohio because of the potential economic benefits. Others say there should not be drilling for natural gas and oil in Ohio because of the potential environmental impact. Which comes closer to your point of view?

                  Tot    Rep    Dem    Ind    Men    Wom    Wht    Blk

Drilling         63%    84%    43%    66%    72%    56%    67%    39%

No drilling      30     10     49     27     24     36     28     48

DK/NA            7      6      7      6      4      9      6     13

               COLLEGE DEG   ANNUAL HSHOLD INC    AGE IN YRS.......

               Yes    No     <50K  50-100 >100K   18-34  35-54  55+

Drilling       62%    64%    59%    68%    73%    64%    64%    63%

No drilling    33     29     33     28     24     32     31     28

DK/NA           5      7      8      4      3      4      5      9

 

Quinnipiac’s June poll shows Ohio residents’ impressive support for Ohio’s oil and natural gas industry. And with development continuing to take shape in eastern Ohio, support will only continue to grow.  It is not often everyone can agree on an issue, but when you are talking oil and gas development in Ohio, we can certainly find common ground: continued responsible development is good for the state and our economy.