American Oil and Gas Reporter - December 2022 - 38

ConventionSec tion: Gas and Oil Association of WV
if we maintained it. To see it even grow
is encouraging. "
While the survey confirms that voters
are deeply concerned about the rising cost
of living, nearly 60% blame government
overspending as the cause. Nearly eight
in 10 favor policies that increase domestic
drilling and accelerate stalled pipeline
projects to ease inflationary burdens.
" These survey results clearly demonstrate
the top concerns among West Virginians
that our state's oil and gas industry
can play a fundamental role in
addressing, " says GO-WV Executive
Director Charlie Burd. " When it comes
to the country's most pressing issues,
such as energy affordability, energy reliability
and inflation, West Virginians'
message is simple: we need to support
domestic energy development. "
Pocketbook Priority
According to the survey, 70% of West
Virginians have a favorable impression
of the natural gas and oil sector. GO-WV
highlights several other key findings:
· Seven in 10 voters prefer industry
innovation over government-imposed bans
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
· A majority of voters oppose bans
on hydraulic fracturing.
· After learning that increasing natural
gas and oil production can lower fuel
and electricity costs, 82% of West Virginians
say they feel even more positive
about the industry.
· Although coal generates about 90%
of West Virginia's electricity, nearly
eight in 10 voters favor moving toward
an all-of-the above electricity generation
strategy inclusive of natural gas, coal
and renewables.
· Cost remains a leading factor in
electricity choice, with 65% of West
Virginians unwilling to pay more for
alternative energy sources such as wind
and solar.
" The media talks so much about problems
with our industry, " Anderson reflects.
" When our people go to work, this survey
helps them know that, by and large, West
Virginians support what they do. "
Since GO-WV's predecessor groups-
the West Virginia Oil & Gas Association
and the Independent Oil & Gas Association
of West Virginia-merged at the start of
2021, she considers, such research seems
even more necessary, as does proclaiming
its results. " We want to take advantage
of having one big voice, to use it the
right way and talk about the right things, "
Anderson relates.
" We found ourselves guessing about
what moves the needle (of public opinion), "
she continues. " Do people connect
the war in Ukraine with the need to produce
more natural gas in West Virginia?
How much do people care about the
severance tax revenues we generate? Do
people listen when we talk about affordable
energy in this era of inflation?
What drives support and favorability?
We decided to ask people what they
think about our industry and have learned
that pocketbook issues really drive support
for us. "
That discovery will guide many of the
association's future decisions, Anderson
says. " It informs the game plan about
what we need to work on, where we are
really aligned and where our lawmakers
American Oil and Gas Reporter - December 2022

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