Clear Majority of Voters Say Development of Pipelines, Power Lines Will Spur Job Creation, Boost the Economy
More than 80 percent of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia voters believe public and private investment in infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, would have a positive impact on the economy, according to a new series of surveys released today by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
While news headlines focus on partisan fighting and a divided American electorate, the NAM surveys find a source of common ground: energy infrastructure. Clear majorities in each state support increasing domestic energy production, and more than 80 percent support increased investment in power lines, pipelines, power plants, refineries and railroads, which all play a key role in manufacturing’s competitiveness.
“It’s time to finally make critical investments in our infrastructure that will support domestic energy development,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Americans understand that we have the opportunity to allow projects to move forward that will grow our economy and keep manufacturers of all sizes competitive. It’s not hard to see how modernizing our energy and transportation infrastructure will create good-paying American jobs. Voters clearly recognize this and are demanding action from Washington.”
Investing in energy infrastructure has broad bipartisan support among registered voters in what were key battleground states in the 2016 election:
- 91% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats indicated they support increasing investment in energy infrastructure.
- 86% of self-identified environmentalists and 89% of union members also support increased investment.
- When it comes to expected outcomes from increasing our investment in infrastructure, 61% say it will create good-paying jobs and 64% believe that investing in energy infrastructure will help build a stronger economy.
NAM affiliates in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia lauded the findings as further evidence that infrastructure investment will enhance manufacturing in their states.
“Pennsylvanians understand that to be able to produce energy in Pennsylvania and get it to customers, we need reliable infrastructure,” said David Taylor, president of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association. “They also understand that our families and communities will be better off when we invest in that infrastructure—from pipelines, ports and power lines to airports, bridges, roads and waterways. We have a unique, generational opportunity to move the Commonwealth and our nation forward by leveraging our energy resources into much-needed job creation.”
Eric Burkland, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, said, “Buckeye State voters overwhelmingly support infrastructure investment because they know it will improve standards of living. From pipeline infrastructure to get Utica Shale resources to market, to locks and dams along the Ohio River, to maritime and transportation infrastructure along Lake Erie, public and private investment in these areas will help get Ohioans working again and revitalize our manufacturing base for years to come.”
Brett Vassey, president and CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association, commented, “Manufacturing drives Virginia’s economy and directly supports more than 230,000 high-paying jobs across the Commonwealth, so voters recognize the sector’s important role. Given the recent energy infrastructure investment and development projects across the Commonwealth, it’s important to note that more than 80 percent of Virginia voters support these efforts because they realize that they create jobs and strengthen our economy. We look forward to working with the NAM and our partners in Washington to ensure that infrastructure investment and smart regulatory reform efforts remain a high national priority.”
The research was conducted via landline and cell phone from November 28 through December 3, 2016. The sample size for each state was 500 registered voters in 2016. Margin of error = +/- 4.38 per state.
Additional information on the state surveys is available below:
To learn more about manufacturers’ policy priorities and the benefits of infrastructure and energy development, visit www.nam.org/competingtowin.
CONTACT: Jennifer Drogus (202) 637-3090