Poll: More Than Two Thirds of Voters Say 'Drill Here, Drill Now'

A Harris Interactive poll conducted for the American Petroleum Institute shows that 67 percent of registered voters support more offshore drilling for oil and 77 percent support more domestic production, period. 

Moreover, out of 1,002 respondents, 89 percent said that expanded on and offshore oil and gas natural gas production “could help strengthen America’s energy security” while 87 percent believe increased production “could lower energy costs for consumers.”

For these reasons, nearly 90 percent of Americans said more oil and natural gas production would help our economy. And 84 percent said more oil production production could “benefit federal and state budgets” through “lease payments” and “royalty fees.” 

But while the American people support expanded oil and natural gas production by such large majorities, President Obama maintains a posture opposed to it. According to the American Thinker, by May 2013 production on federal lands had declined 40 percent under Obama.

Moreover, the Canadian Free Press (CFP) says Obama’s production-crushing policies in the Gulf of Mexico, following the 2010 BP oil spill, so hindered oil and gas exploration that 2010 levels of production will not be seen again until “at least” the end of 2014.

All the while 92 percent of voters believe increased oil and natural gas production could do one thing Americans have not seen Obama do–create more jobs in the U.S.

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins