NEW POLL: LARGE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SUPPORT PIPELINES

WASHINGTON, DC, March 28, 2023 – A large majority of Americans view pipelines favorably, especially pipelines that deliver energy, according to a new survey of public sentiment. A summary report by the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA) reviews polling conducted to explore public opinion towards pipelines, how best to address climate change and the role of pipelines in the energy future.  

“While the loudest voices sometimes get the most attention, when you actually talk to the American public they will tell you they support pipelines,” said Andy Black, LEPA President and CEO.

The market research firm Wakefield Research conducted a nationwide survey of consumers from February 24 to March 9 and found:

• 82 percent of consumers have a positive impression of pipelines that deliver energy, like what we use to heat our homes or fuel our vehicles
• 74 percent view pipelines (generically) as positive
• 71 percent view oil pipelines positively
• 66 percent view positively pipelines that deliver captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions

In an open-ended question among those who have a positive impression of energy pipelines, the top reason for their favorable opinion was pipelines provide necessary energy resources and keep energy costs low. American consumers also see pipelines as a way to benefit the economy and keep the U.S. energy self-sufficient. 

While 7 in 10 Americans are worried about climate change, they still see a role for pipelines in the future delivering cleaner energy and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide. They disagree with canceling pipeline projects as a way to address climate change:

• 71 percent are worried about climate change
• 83 percent believe pipelines that take away captured carbon emissions to permanent storage are part of our clean energy future
• 85 percent believe pipelines that help open new markets for products because they can be made with lower greenhouse gas emissions are part of our clean energy future.
• 83 percent believe pipelines that deliver cleaner energy to other nations to help them replace dirtier coal or wood are part of our clean energy future
• 56 percent disagree that canceling a new pipeline project is a good way to address climate change.