Capitol News

As gas prices continue on a steep upwards trend, organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) are pushing for increased American energy production.

A recent poll from API shows strong support on this matter from both Democrats and Republicans. In Michigan, gas prices are averaging nearly $4.26 per gallon, while the national average is $4.33 per gallon.

“While it’s unclear what lies ahead as Russia invades Ukraine, we know one thing for sure: American energy is a positive force in difficult times, helping to provide stability for the U.S. and our allies," Mike Sommers, president and CEO of API, said in a statement. "We have the technology, innovation and resources here in the  U.S. to meet this moment while at the same time furthering progress toward our shared climate goals."

According to a recent API poll, nine out of 10 US voters support American energy production over foreign energy reliance. Metrics from the poll show 92% of Democrats and 90% of Republicans support the U.S. developing its own domestic sources of energy.

As reported by API, the poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of API on Feb. 25-26 among a national sample of 2,002 registered voters. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.

The API poll shows 84% of voters agree that producing natural gas and oil in the U.S. helps make the country and its allies more secure against actions by other countries, such as Russia. According to the poll, 83% of Democrats and 88% of Republicans are in support.

"Now more than ever is the time for President Biden to confirm the United States’ role as a global energy leader and send a clear message that America will be a reliable producer and supplier of natural gas and oil at home and abroad for decades to come," Sommers said.

In early 2022, President Biden stifled domestic energy production by signing a series of executive orders that instead prioritized climate change.   

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) says he believes the Biden administration is to blame for today's high energy prices. On March 8, he wrote on his website, "By effectively shutting down our own supply of critical oil and gas, the Biden Administration increased our reliance on foreign countries for our energy needs, increased global emissions, and increased gas prices for American families."

The current average cost for a gallon of regular gas in Michigan is $4.26, as reported by the American Automobile Association (AAA). A week ago, the average was $3.62 per gallon and a month ago it was $3.37 per gallon.

Biden announced March 8 on Twitter that the U.S. is "banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy." He said the immediate ban targets "the main artery of Russia's economy." 

The API poll shows that 85% of voters believe U.S. natural gas and oil production helps America maintain a leadership role during a period of global uncertainty and could help lower energy costs for American consumers and small businesses.