New Survey Finds South Dakotans Support Increased Access to Domestic Oil and Natural Gas Resources

PIERRE, S.D., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- South Dakotans are concerned about the price of gasoline and the majority of them support increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources, a new survey finds.

"Every recent national poll has shown Americans support increased access to domestic supplies of oil and natural gas. This research shows South Dakotans agree," said John Kerekes, director of the API Central Region. "Congressional leaders have turned their back on energy-starved Americans and are blocking common sense energy solutions that include development of our vast natural resources, along with more conservation, energy efficiency and increased supplies of diverse energy sources."

The poll was conducted by telephone between July 10 and July 20, 2008, by Harris Interactive and commissioned by API. The survey of 500 registeredSouth Dakota voters who are likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election found 67 percent of those surveyed said they somewhat or strongly support increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources. Only 17 percent of respondents said they opposed increased access. An overwhelming 99 percent said they are somewhat or very concerned about the price of gasoline.

"Increasing access to U.S. offshore oil and natural gas resources will significantly helpSouth Dakota farmers, businesses and citizens as our nation works to increase domestic energy supplies," said Ron Ness, executive director, North Dakota Petroleum Council.

Kerekes added that America's oil and natural gas companies are committed to working with all levels of government to enact a comprehensive energy policy that includes increasing domestic supplies while protecting the environment.

"It's time for Congress to lift the ban on offshore drilling," said Kerekes.

Currently, Congress is blocking the exploration and development of abundant oil and natural gas reserves beneath non-park federal lands and coastal waters. Advanced technology means America's oil and natural gas companies can efficiently explore for these resources while protecting the environment. Based on federal government data, these resources could provide enough oil to fuel more than 65 million cars for 60 years and enough natural gas to heat 60 million homes for 160 years.

For complete text of the survey and more information - including survey methodology - please go to www.energytomorrow.org/southdakota.

SOURCE API Central Region

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