1. #17059

2. Objectives:
Profile demographically natural gas audiences (natural gas supporters, natural gas persuadables, and natural gas opponents)
Explore attitudes towards natural gas and its use
Explore attitudes towards the “Keep It In The Ground” position and test messages to counter this position
Explore attitudes towards increasing natural gas production, expanding the natural gas infrastructure, and pipelines
Test messaging to increase support for increasing natural gas use and expanding the natural gas infrastructure

3. What We Did: Conducted quantitative and qualitative research:
12 focus groups (104 participants)
November to December 2016
St. Louis, MO, Albuquerque, NM, Seattle, WA, San Francisco, CA, Richmond, VA, Albany, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA
A national online survey among N = 1,200 registered voters
February 21–27, 2017
Credibility interval of +3.23%

4. Profiling Target Audiences

5. Defining Target Audience Segments:
We segmented respondents into three target audiences by their position on the Keep It In The Ground position.
Natural Gas Supporters (32%)
Disagree with “Keep It In The Ground” position
Select the natural gas industry’s point of view about “Keep It In The Ground”
Natural Gas Persuadables (36%)
Agree or Have No Opinion about “Keep It In The Ground” position
Select the natural gas industry’s point of view about “Keep It In The Ground”
Natural Gas Opponents (28%)
Agree with “Keep It In The Ground” position
Select the “Keep It In The Ground” point of view

6. Demographic Profile of Target Audiences:
Gender
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Males
60%
41%
Females
40%
59%
Generations/Age
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Millennials (Ages 18-36)
14%
36%
41%
Generation Xers
(Ages 37-52)
35%
34%
Baby Boomers
(Ages 53-71)
45%
21%
24%
Ethnicity
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Whites
85%
71%
66%
Non-Whites
15%
29%
34%

7. Demographic Profile of Target Audiences:
Party
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Republicans
64%
34%
18%
Independents
14%
15%
Democrats
22%
51%
2016 Presidential Vote
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Trump Voters
70%
37%
20%
Clinton Voters
49%
65%
Environmentalist Descriptor
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
%8-10
14%
32%
48%
%5-7
43%
41%
%1-4
24%
11%
Supporter of Business Interests Descriptor
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
%8-10
42%
21%
15%
%5-7
46%
45%
33%
%1-4
12%
34%
52%

8. Perceptions About Natural Gas and Other Energy Sources

9. Ranked by Total Positive
Roughly eight out of ten voters have a positive opinion of natural gas. Solar is viewed the most positively of the energy sources we tested.
Ranked by Total Positive
Solar Power
Wind Power
Hydropower
Natural Gas
Biofuel
Oil
Coal
Nuclear Power
Strongly Positive
63%
56%
41%
37%
19%
20%
16%
15%
TOTAL POSITIVE
89%
85%
78%
79%
60%
52%
44%
TOTAL NEGATIVE 7% 9% 8%
14%
40%
46%
No Opinion 4% 6%
21%
10%
13%

10. Strongly Positive Image of Energy Sources By Target Audiences:
NG Supporters
(32%)
NG Persuadables
(36%)
NG Opponents
(28%)
Solar Power
50%
63%
79%
Wind Power
44%
57%
69%
Hydropower
46%
36%
Natural Gas
56%
32%
25%
Oil
33%
15%
12%
Biofuel
17%
20%
21%
Coal
26% 9%
Nuclear Power
13%

11. Reasons Respondents Say They Have a Positive Opinion of Natural Gas (79%):

12. Reasons Respondents Say They Have a Negative Opinion of Natural Gas (14%):

13. Attitudes Towards Different Energy Sources: U.S. Level of Use Should…
There is a majority of support for increasing the use of natural gas in the U.S.
Attitudes Towards Different Energy Sources: U.S. Level of Use Should…
Ranked by Increase
A Lot
Solar Power
Wind Power
Hydropower
Natural Gas
Biofuel
Oil
Nuclear Power
Coal
Increase
63%
57%
38%
29%
21%
14%
13%
12%
TOTAL INCREASE
86%
84%
77%
60%
35%
32%
TOTAL DECREASE/STOP 7% 8% 9%
51%
47%
54%
Stay the Same
16%
19%
15%
Please record whether you think the United States should be increasing a lot, increasing some, decreasing, or stopping altogether our use of that source for our energy needs, or do you think our use of that energy source should remain the same?

14. A plurality of voters believe the benefits of using natural gas as an energy source outweigh the risks. More than a third of voters though say the benefits and risks of natural gas are unclear.
All Voters
NG Supporters
(32%)
NG Persuadables
(36%)
NG Opponents
(28%)
Benefits of natural gas outweigh the risks
46%
74%
39%
25%
Benefits and risks of natural gas are unclear
38%
19%
47%
Risks of natural gas outweigh the benefits
16% 7%
14%
29%
And, based on what you know about natural gas, which of the following comes closest to your view of natural gas and the potential role it could play as an energy source for the U.S.?

15. Majorities of voters say each of these attributes describe natural gas.
Ranked by % Definitely Does Describe Natural Gas
Reliable source of energy
Affordable source of energy
Clean source of energy
Can be produced safely and responsibly
Helps drive new innovative technologies
Environmentally friendly source of energy
Helps expand the growth and use of renewable energy sources
Definitely Does Describe
TOTAL DOES
DESCRIBE
TOTAL DOES NOT DESCRIBE
44%
80%
12%
40%
78%
13%
36%
72%
18%
34%
71%
30%
70%
16%
28%
66%
22%
63%
21%

16. Attitudes Towards “Keep It In The Ground” Position

17. A majority of voters initially AGREE with the Keep It In The Ground position.
It is time to keep fossil fuels where they belong: in the ground. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to keep the world’s remaining fossil fuels in the ground. That means moving away from coal, oil, and natural gas, and towards a renewable energy future by quitting coal, stopping offshore oil and natural gas drilling, and not allowing new production sites for any fossil fuels.
Strongly Agree
26%
TOTAL AGREE
58%
TOTAL DISAGREE
34%
Strongly Disagree
16%
No Opinion 8%
Please record whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the statement shown below.

18. Women and younger voters are more supportive of the Keep It In The Ground position than men and older voters.
By Gender
By Age
+11%
+35%
+61%
+42%
+18%
+0%
-19%
Str.
24%
Str.
23%
Str.
28%
Str. 9%
Str.
40%
Str. 5%
Str.
30%
Str. 8%
Str.
20%
Str.
16%
Str.
19%
Str.
24%
Str.
17%
Str.
30%
Please record whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the statement shown below. If you have no strong opinion one way or the other please note as such.

19. Democrats and Independents agree with the Keep It In The Ground position while a majority of Republicans and Trump voters disagree.
By Party
By 2016 Ballot
-16%
+30%
+57%
-17%
+59%
Str.
14%
Str.
31%
Str.
25%
Str.
12%
Str.
38%
Str. 4%
Str.
14%
Str.
30%
Str.
37%
Str. 3%
Please record whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the statement shown below. If you have no strong opinion one way or the other please note as such.

20. There is some regional variation but this is likely due to the sharp differences by party.
By Region
By Natural Gas Region
+26%
+15%
+22%
+33%
+19%
+48%
+32%
Str.
28%
Str.
13%
Str.
26%
Str.
17%
Str.
24%
Str.
17%
Str.
28%
Str.
15%
Str.
24%
Str.
15%
Str.
31%
Str.
11%
Str.
31%
Str.
11%
Please record whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the statement shown below. If you have no strong opinion one way or the other please note as such.

21. However, when presented with arguments on both sides of the Keep It In The Ground position, nearly seven in ten voters side with natural gas industry’s point of view.
Some people say we need to continue developing our domestic resources so we are less dependent on foreign oil and ensure America’s energy independence. We are making progress. Our increased use of natural gas has led to an 11% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005, well beyond any other country. We have\ increased our use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind by more than 900% and 100%, respectively. Increased development of our domestic energy sources has reduced prices for consumers making energy more affordable and has led to millions of new U.S. jobs and economic growth.
68%
32%
Other people say we need to immediately end all fossil fuel development across the country and keep oil and natural gas in the ground where they belong. The science is clear and tells us the path to a sustainable future for people, wildlife, and our climate does not include fossil fuels. A safe climate means stopping drilling and mining. A 2015 study revealed that we need to leave at least 80% of the world’s known remaining fossil fuel reserves in the ground to prevent runaway climate change.
Next, please read two different points of view about this position. Please select which point of view you tend to agree with more.

22. The strongest statement within the industry’s point of view message was about America’s energy independence:
Among Those Who Selected The Continue Developing Our Domestic Resources Point of View
1st Choice
Combined
(1st and 2nd Choice)
We need to continue developing our domestic resources so we are less dependent on foreign oil and ensure America’s energy
independence.
45%
59%
We have increased our use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind by more than 900% and 100%, respectively.
20%
38%
Increase development of our domestic energy sources has led to millions of new U.S. jobs and economic growth.
12%
36%
Our increased use of natural gas has led to an 11% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005, well beyond any other country.
15%
33%
Increased development of our domestic energy sources has reduced prices for consumers making energy more affordable. 8%
27%
Did not find any of these remaining statements compelling - 7%
Looking more closely at the point of view you tended to agree more with, which ONE of the following statements did you find most compelling, that is the main reason you selected this point of view?

23. The strongest statements within the Keep It In The Ground point of view message focused on the impact on climate change:
Among Those Who Selected The Immediately End All Fossil Fuel Development Point of View
1st Choice
Combined
(1st and 2nd Choice)
The science is clear and tells us the path to a sustainable future for people, wildlife, and our climate does not include fossil fuels.
40%
67%
A 2015 study revealed we need to leave at least 80% of the world’s known remaining fossil fuel reserves in the ground to prevent runaway climate change.
23%
51%
We need to immediately end all fossil fuel development across the country and keep oil and natural gas in the ground where they belong.
24%
37%
A safe climate means stopping drilling and mining.
12%
35%
Did not find any of these remaining statements compelling -
10%
Looking more closely at the point of view you tended to agree more with, which ONE of the following statements did you find most compelling, that is the main reason you selected this point of view?

24. Attitudes Towards Increasing Use and Expanding Natural Gas Infrastructure

25. More than seven in ten voters support each of the proposals we tested.
Ranked by % Strongly Support
Strongly Support
TOTAL Support
TOTAL Oppose
Increasing the development and use of natural gas in the United States to meet our energy needs.
36%
76%
24%
Expanding America’s natural gas infrastructure, which is how natural gas is transported across our country connecting the producers of natural gas to the consumers of natural gas.
32%
73%
27%
Constructing new natural gas pipelines in the United States in order to transport natural gas to areas that today do not have access to this energy source.
72%
28%
For each of the items listed below, please record whether you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this happening in the U.S.

26. Significant majorities of persuadable voters support each of these natural gas proposals.
+92%
+86%
+84%
NG Supporters
+68%
+60%
+54%
NG Persuadables
-12%
-18%
-12%
NG Opponents

27. And, more than seven in ten voters support an overall proposal that increases natural gas use, expands infrastructure, and constructs new pipelines.
And thinking about these items as one proposal, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose increasing the development and use of natural gas and expanding America’s natural gas infrastructure, which is how natural gas is transported across the United States.
Strongly Support
25%
TOTAL SUPPORT
71%
TOTAL OPPOSE
29%
Strongly Oppose
10%

28. Men are more supportive than women
Men are more supportive than women. Three out of four persuadable voters support this overall proposal.
By Gender
By Target Audience
+42%
+56%
+28%
+90%
+52%
-24%
And thinking about these items as one proposal, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose increasing the development and use of natural gas and expanding America’s natural gas infrastructure?

29. Testing Messaging: Increasing Use and Expanding Natural Gas Infrastructure

30. 41% 78% 39% 80% 38% 76% 37% 35% Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas
These support statements tested very well. The top two messages are consistent with the focus groups. It is important to note that we revised the economic job loss message from the groups and the revised statement tests well.
Ranked by % Very Convincing
Very Convincing
Total Convincing
Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas
41%
78%
Natural Gas/Renewables Working Together – Long Term Needs
39%
80%
Economic Job Loss/Increase Costs for Consumers
38%
76%
Lead to America’s Energy Independence
37%
Growth In Economy & Jobs – Resurgence in Manufacturing
35%

31. Natural Gas Technological Innovation
These support statements also tested well, but not as well as the top statements.
Ranked by % Very Convincing
Very Convincing
Total Convincing
Cost Savings
34%
77%
Consumer Products
30%
73%
Natural Gas Technological Innovation
26%
67%

32. It is important to note which messages resonate most with persuadable voters and your opponents. The “environmental benefits” and “working together with renewables” messages work across all three of these target audiences.
TOP 4 Messages By Target Audience
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas
93% Total/63% Very Convincing
Natural Gas/Renewables Working Together – Long Term Needs
86% Total/40% Very Convincing
Economic Job Loss/Increase Costs for Consumers
59% Total/22% Very Convincing
Lead to America’s Energy Independence
94% Total/62% Very Convincing
85% Total/37% Very Convincing
56% Total/21% Very Convincing
93% Total/57% Very Convincing
80% Total/35% Very Convincing
58% Total/19% Very Convincing
90% Total/57% Very Convincing
Growth In Economy & Jobs – Resurgence in Manufacturing
83% Total/34% Very Convincing
Consumer Products
56% Total/19% Very Convincing

33. Top four messages across party:
Republicans
Independents
Democrats
Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas
89% Total/53% Very Convincing
Natural Gas/Renewables Working Together – Long Term Needs
74% Total/37% Very Convincing
74% Total/32% Very Convincing
Lead to America’s Energy Independence
87% Total/49% Very Convincing
73% Total/36% Very Convincing
72% Total/32% Very Convincing
89% Total/47% Very Convincing
Economic Job Loss/Increase Costs for Consumers
74% Total/34% Very Convincing
69% Total/31% Very Convincing
86% Total/46% Very Convincing
Growth In Economy & Jobs – Resurgence in Manufacturing
69% Total/29% Very Convincing

34. The top opposition statements: Fracking Not Safe – Actual Events
Ranked by % Very Convincing
Very Convincing
Total Convincing
Renewables Better
43%
76%
Fracking Not Safe – Actual Events
38%
72%

35. Opposition statements that did not test as well.
Ranked by % Very Convincing
Very Convincing
Total Convincing
Wildlife/Green Space
31%
68%
Methane Emissions Negative Climate Impact
27%
66%
Safety Concerns
63%
Just Exporting Natural Gas
21%
56%

36. The top opposition statements among voters overall are the same for the different target audiences.
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Renewables Better
55% Total/21% Very Convincing
86% Total/47% Very Convincing
89% Total/66% Very Convincing
Fracking Not Safe – Actual Events
54% Total/19% Very Convincing
77% Total/40% Very Convincing
87% Total/60% Very Convincing
Wildlife/Green Space
43% Total/13% Very Convincing
78% Total/33% Very Convincing
84% Total/51% Very Convincing

37. Initial/Informed Movement to Support/Oppose
After hearing compelling messages both in support and in opposition, support dips and opposition increases. However, a majority of voters still support the proposal to increase the development and use of natural gas and expand the natural gas infrastructure.
+42%
+28%
Initial/Informed Movement to Support/Oppose
Str.
25%
Str.
10%
Str.
22%
Str.
13%
Now having heard from both supporters and opponents, thinking again about the proposal increasing the development and use of natural gas and expanding America’s natural gas infrastructure which is how natural gas is transported across the United States, do you…

38. The increased opposition comes from women, opponents, and some persuadable voters.
+56%
+28%
+90%
+52%
-24%
Initial
+46%
+14%
+84%
+34%
-40%
Informed

39. *New topics are bolded in blue and italicized
Reasons Respondents Say They Would Support Increasing the Development And Use of Natural Gas and Expanding America’s Natural Gas Infrastructure (64%):
Expanding America’s natural gas infrastructure will create and keep jobs in America
Increasing the use of natural gas in the U.S. will lead to greater energy independence, will not have to rely on foreign oil
Natural gas is a clean energy source
It is affordable and cheaper for consumers
Expanding infrastructure and increasing the use of natural gas will boost the U.S. economy
Utilizing more natural gas will generally help lower energy costs
Natural gas supplies are abundant, should be taking advantage of our domestic resources
The expansion of natural gas complements the use and development of renewable sources of energy like solar and wind
It is a safe source of fuel
Using natural gas is better for the environment than other sources
Natural gas is a good stopgap measure while renewable resources continue to be developed and fossil fuels are phased out
The benefits of expanding natural gas infrastructure outweighs the risks/costs
Natural gas is a domestic energy source
Natural gas is dependable/reliable
Natural gas is cheaper to produce and use than other fuel sources
This will save consumers money in the long term
The U.S. should decrease its dependence on coal and oil
Natural gas is relatively easy to produce/extract
It is available
Doesn’t produce as many emissions as other sources of fuel
*New topics are bolded in blue and italicized

40. *New topics are bolded in red and italicized
Reasons Respondents Say They Would Oppose Increasing the Development and Use of Natural Gas and Expanding America’s Natural Gas Infrastructure (36%):
Concerns about the impact development and expansion would have on the environment
The U.S. should be developing and increasing investment in alternative sources like solar and wind instead of natural gas
Using natural gas is risky and dangerous
Risks of expanding natural gas infrastructure outweigh the benefits
“Fracking” does more harm than good
Natural gas emissions contribute to climate change
Concerns about water contamination
Want to protect the planet for future generations
Concerns about pipeline explosions
Expansion of infrastructure and extraction of more natural gas will cause pollution
Natural gas releases greenhouse gases
Concerns about the transportation of gas (gas leaks, explosions)
Concerns about accidents caused by the use of natural gas
Do not want tribal lands disturbed by pipeline construction
Natural gas is a finite resource
*New topics are bolded in red and italicized

41. A plurality of voters say President Trump’s support of proposals to increase use and expand infrastructure do not make a difference to them in terms of their support/opposition.
Now what if you found out that President Trump supports the proposal to increase the development and use of natural gas and expand America’s natural gas infrastructure, which is how natural gas is transported across the United States. Does this make you more likely or less likely to support this proposal or does President Trump’s support of this proposal not make a difference to you one way or the other?
+3%
+33%
+2%
-31%

42. The most credible messengers are geologists and scientists.
Ranked by % Very Credible
Very Credible
Total Credible
Geologists
50%
91%
Scientists
49%
89%
Environmentalists
32%
72%
Academic researchers
30%
79%
The EPA
Safety technicians or engineers who work for natural gas companies
29%
74%
Native American Tribal leaders
27%
66%
Land owners who have had pipelines built on their property
26%
68%
Military veterans
65%
Pipeline workers who work for natural gas companies
22%
63%
Economists
21%
69%
Local business owners in your area
16%
61%
Your local mayor or state legislator
13%
48%
Your Senator or Member of Congress
11%
45%
For each one, please record whether you would personally find them very credible, somewhat credible, not too credible, or not credible at all.

43. Key Take Aways

44. Key Take Aways:
Overall, voters have positive views about natural gas and are supportive of the United States increasing our use of natural gas for our energy needs.  Natural gas is viewed as positively as hydropower and more positively than biofuel, nuclear power, oil and coal.  Solar and wind power are viewed more positively than natural gas.
Throughout this data, women and younger voters are a tougher audience to reach in support of natural gas efforts but are persuadable with messaging in support of these efforts.
Voters recognize the benefits of natural gas: clean source, inexpensive, clean burning, better for the environment, efficient, creates jobs and domestic (helping U.S. become energy independent).  As we heard in the qualitative, concerns among natural gas opponents do come up related to the impact on the environment and “fracking” as well as some safety concerns and natural gas not being renewable.

45. Key Take Aways:
Consistent with the qualitative, a majority of voters are willing to agree with the Keep It In The Ground position initially.  Women and younger voters are more supportive of the Keep It In The Ground position than men and older voters.    Democrats and Independents agree with the Keep It In The Ground position while a majority of Republicans and Trump voters disagree.
What works to persuade people to your side, talking about:
Need to continue developing our domestic resources so we are less dependent on foreign oil and ensure America’s energy independence
Our increased use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind
Increase in development of domestic energy sources leading to millions of new U.S. jobs and economic growth
Increased use has led to decrease in greenhouse gas emissions
Reducing prices and making energy more affordable

46. Key Take Aways:
There is a majority of support for the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.  However, intensity of support and opposition is closely matched.
More than seven in ten voters support an overall proposal that increases natural gas use, expands infrastructure, and constructs new pipelines.
The top two messages in support of this proposal are consistent with the qualitative research: environmental benefits of natural gas and how natural gas and renewables work together.

47. Language Don’ts and Do’s:
Do NOT talk about production and pipelines, INSTEAD talk about increased use and expanding infrastructure
Do NOT talk about the need for more pipelines, INSTEAD talk about the environmental benefits of using natural gas
Do NOT talk about the need to expand only natural gas to meet demand, INSTEAD talk about natural gas and renewables working together to meet our energy needs
Do NOT talk about hydraulic fracturing, INSTEAD talk about the impact natural gas has on jobs/economic growth

49. Appendix

50. Demographic Profile of Target Audiences:
Region
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Northeast
22%
21%
23%
Midwest
24%
19%
South
34%
36%
30%
West
25%
Midwest
21%
Northeast
22%
West
23%
South
33%

51. Demographic Profile of Target Audiences:
Natural Gas Industry Regions (42% of sample)*
NG Supporters
NG Persuadables
NG Opponents
Southeast (16%)
17%
16%
West Coast (15%)
10%
18%
Northeast (11%)
11%
12%
*These regions are defined as:
Southeast (N=197): GA, FL, NC, SC, VA
West Coast (N=184): CA, OR, WA (this sample is heavily tilted to CA due to the population size of this state)
Northeast (N=131): CT, MA, ME, NH, NY RI, VT (this sample is heavily tilted to NY due to population size of this state)

52. Support Statements Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas
Natural gas is clean, reliable, affordable, and abundant. While U.S. natural gas production is up 50% since 2005, total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are down 11%. Technological innovation continues to drive down natural gas emissions and cost. Rather than picking one energy source over another, we should harness American creativity and competitiveness to drive efficiency from all energy sources. By making use of all of the United States’ domestic energy sources we can ensure the best environmental outcomes at the lowest costs.
Natural Gas/Renewables Working Together – Long Term Needs
Natural gas is clean, reliable, and affordable. It complements renewables like solar and wind and helps ensure we have a diverse mix of energy resources. Solar and wind can produce
varying amounts of energy. Natural gas is available on demand, immediately, and provides critical support to our renewable resources. They depend on each other. Natural gas is helping us reach our nation’s clean energy goals. Today, natural gas generates 30% of our electricity and is an essential partner of solar, wind, and hydro power for our long term energy needs.

53. Support Statements Economic Job Loss/Increase Costs for Consumers
If we stop developing and using natural gas as an energy source, 3.9 million jobs would be cut in 2017 alone and by million jobs would no longer exist. Consumers would have to pay 53% more for gasoline in U.S. households would pay almost 100% more for their electricity and consumers would be forced to pay higher prices both for the energy they consume and the products and services they buy. The average out‐of‐pocket, cost‐of‐living increase for U.S. families would approach $4,000 by 2022.
Lead to America’s Energy Independence
Natural gas is an abundant domestic resource is leading us to America’s energy independence and helps protect our national security. The more we use American fuel, the less we depend on
foreign and sometimes hostile nations. Expanding the natural gas infrastructure here in the U.S. means our dollars stay here and our money is not going to unstable and unfriendly countries in the Middle East.

54. Growth In Economy & Jobs – Resurgence in Manufacturing
Support Statements
Growth In Economy & Jobs – Resurgence in Manufacturing
The growth in domestic production of natural gas is fueling America’s economy. In 2015, expanded energy access led to 1.9 million jobs economy‐wide. Expanding infrastructure will mean more than 350,000 new jobs, with 60,000 of these jobs in American manufacturing. Natural gas is helping to drive resurgence in U.S. manufacturing and keeping jobs here. This domestic resource is allowing U.S. manufacturers to be more competitive in the global economy and is creating more jobs in this country.
Cost Savings
Our nation’s energy costs are down significantly because we are using more domestic resources like natural gas. Households with natural gas save an average of $70 per month on their energy
bills. Including the lower cost of goods from cheaper fuel, low‐priced natural gas puts $1,337 back in the pocket of the average American family each year.

55. Natural Gas Technological Innovation
Support Statements
Consumer Products
Natural gas touches everyone’s lives, one‐third of the natural gas produced in the U.S. is used to manufacture and transport the goods and services we use every day. Natural gas is a key component of the fertilizer that helps grow our crops and is used by manufacturers to make a wide range of consumer products. We don’t always readily see it, but natural gas has a big impact on our daily lives.
Natural Gas Technological Innovation
America’s best engineers are behind the technological innovations that make natural gas a more sustainable and affordable energy source. As we look to the future, technology will continue to be an integral part of advancing natural gas as a solution to our energy needs and the challenges of the 21st century economy.

56. Opposition Statements Fracking Not Safe – Actual Events
Renewables Better
Solar, wind, and water are much better energy sources than natural gas. They are renewable resources with zero carbon emissions. Despite the natural gas industry’s claims, renewable energy technologies work when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. Large‐scale concentrated solar thermal systems store energy overnight and pumped storage off‐river hydro systems store energy in dams, releasing energy 24 hours a day. Renewable energy is cheaper, more efficient, and the wave of the future. It is what we should be investing in instead of expanding our use of natural gas.
Fracking Not Safe – Actual Events
Fracking, the process of drilling into the earth to release natural gas, has a huge negative environmental impact from polluting drinking water, to earthquakes, to explosions. Recently, there was a massive fracking explosion in New Mexico, causing 36 oil tanks to catch fire forcing 55 local residents out of their nearby homes. Fracking has been linked to drinking water contamination in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio, Wyoming, New York, and West Virginia. A recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report found more than 150 instances of groundwater contamination due to fracking.

57. Opposition Statements Methane Emissions Negative Climate Impact
Wildlife/Green Space
Expanding the natural gas infrastructure means more pipelines and construction across the U.S. which will dramatically disrupt wildlife and green space. Beyond the construction to build pipelines, fracking, the process of drilling into the earth to release natural gas, is a very water‐intensive operation and the water is taken from our nation’s streams and rivers, which can harm aquatic species. The handling and disposal of waste liquids and other chemicals from natural gas production, has the potential to contaminate the environment and harm fish and wildlife.
Methane Emissions Negative Climate Impact
Natural gas may release less pollution when burned, but it still is a significant contributor to global warming pollution. Scientists are reporting alarmingly high methane emissions during the extraction of natural gas and methane emissions leaks as it is transported across the country through pipelines. When it comes to climate change, leaking methane is a big deal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports, “pound for pound, the comparative impact of methane on climate change is over 20 times greater than CO2 over a 100‐year period.”

58. Opposition Statements Just Exporting Natural Gas
Safety Concerns
We have to treat explosions, disasters, and spills for what they are: the day in and day out operations of the oil and natural gas industry, not accidents. It’s time to transition away from dirty fuels that bring us disaster after disaster. New oil and gas sales on these lands or new offshore drilling off our coasts put wildlife, communities and our climate at risk. We need to move away from fossil fuels by ending any new drilling, fracking, and mining on our public lands and waters and keep fossil fuels safely in the ground.
Just Exporting Natural Gas
The desire to increase natural gas production and expand the natural gas infrastructure is being driven by the natural gas industry. They just want to expand in order to be able to export natural gas to foreign countries. That means we are taking all of the safety risks and will be depleting our resources in the United States just to ship natural gas overseas.