why energy MATTERS
The American public is looking to their leaders to establish sound, comprehensive energy policy that ensures both adequate supply and environmental stewardship. Coupled with global market conditions, presidential candidates are facing issues such as high oil costs, geopolitical conflict, supply access, rising infrastructure costs, and heightened awareness of the need for greater environmental protections.
A backdrop of high costs and the complexity of alternative solutions have led to increased concern among Americans about how challenges around energy security will impact them personally.
Following are factors that candidates will need to consider as they develop and explain their energy policies. Voters can be expected to take these factors into consideration when evaluating if the candidates' energy proposals address concerns about energy supply, fuel costs and environmental issues.
| Energy Use Factors (source: Energy Information Administration) |
|---|
| The U.S. imports more than half its petroleum needs today; the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that could grow to 70 percent by 2030. |
| Oil, coal, and natural gas are projected to provide roughly the same 86-percent share of the total U.S. primary energy supply in 2030 that they did in 2005. |
| World liquids (fossil fuel) demand is projected to increase from about 84 million barrels per day in 2005 to 117 million barrels per day in 2030. |
| The use of alternative fuels, such as ethanol, biodiesel, and coal-to-liquids is projected to increase substantially as fuel prices continue to rise and legislative support for alternatives increases. |
| Much of the world's future energy demand growth will come from non-OECD countries such as China and India. |
| Energy Use Factors (% of American Popular Vote) | |
|---|---|
| 74% | of Americans believe high gasoline prices are a "serious" or "somewhat serious" problem. Source: Quinnipiac University Poll. June 5-11, 2007. |
| 81% | of Americans believe gasoline prices are "unreasonable." Source: CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. May 4-6, 2007. |
| 68% | of Americans believe encouraging conservation should be a top government priority. Source: CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 20-24, 2007. |
| 64% | of Americans would be willing to pay higher gasoline/fuels taxes to support development of alternative energy sources. Source: CBS News/New York Times Poll. Apr. 20-24, 2007. |
| 75% | of Americans would be willing to pay more for electricity generated by renewable sources such as wind and solar. Source: CBS News/New York Times Poll. Apr. 20-24, 2007. |
Energy will be a principle topic in the 2008 presidential election.
