American Perspectives on Energy
October 17, 2013
Sheril KirshenbaumDirector of The Energy Poll
Page 2Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Impartial and authoritative source of public perspectives on energy to inform and guide
discussion, business planning and policy development
Page 3Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
General Topics
• Energy prices and availability• Energy concerns• Satisfaction• Consumer behaviors and voting preferences
“Hot Topics”
Spring 2012: Hydraulic FracturingFall 2012: Energy, Voting Behavior, and the 2012 ElectionSpring 2013: Consumer Attitudes on EnergyFall 2013: The Energy-Water Nexus
Page 4Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Background• First questionnaire developed in 2010 (Inaugural launch Oct. 2011)• Collaborative effort with representatives from academic institutions, polling
companies, non-governmental organizations, energy producers and energy consumers
Fall 2013 – Fifth Release• Online survey conducted September 5-23, 2013• 2,144 respondents, weighted to reflect U.S. Census demographics
Page 5Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
A Look At Respondents: Fall 2013
Page 6Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Interest in Energy Issues
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Spring 2012 Fall 2012 Spring 2013 Fall 201320%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
47%
52% 52%
48%
Page 7Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Income and Energy
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Self-
repo
rt "k
now
ledg
eabl
e" o
n en
ergy
Con
side
r ene
rgy
info
rmat
ion
valu
able
Dai
ly re
ad, s
ee o
r hea
r abo
ut e
nerg
y
Wee
kly
read
, see
or h
ear a
bout
ene
rgy
Follo
w lo
cal e
nerg
y is
sues
Follo
w n
atio
nal e
nerg
y is
sues
Con
side
r ene
rgy
issu
es im
porta
nt
Ask
ed a
dvic
e on
ene
rgy
issu
es o
ften
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%
0.25
0.55
0.11
0.26
0.460.41
0.58
0.1
0.39
0.6
0.17
0.32
0.510.46
0.67
0.17
<$50K>50K
Page 8Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Gender and Energy
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data Se
lf-re
port
"kno
wle
dgea
ble"
on
ener
gy
Con
side
r ene
rgy
info
rmat
ion
valu
able
Dai
ly re
ad, s
ee o
r hea
r abo
ut e
nerg
y
Wee
kly
read
, see
or h
ear a
bout
ene
rgy
Follo
w lo
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nerg
y is
sues
Follo
w n
atio
nal e
nerg
y is
sues
Con
side
r ene
rgy
issu
es im
porta
nt
Ask
ed a
dvic
e on
ene
rgy
issu
es o
ften
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
0.44
0.6
0.17
0.33
0.51 0.51
0.67
0.180.2
0.54
0.11
0.25
0.45
0.35
0.57
0.09
MenWomen
Page 9Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Politics and Energy
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Self-
repo
rt "k
now
ledg
eabl
e" o
n en
ergy
Con
side
r ene
rgy
info
rmat
ion
valu
able
Dai
ly re
ad, s
ee o
r hea
r abo
ut e
nerg
y
Wee
kly
read
, see
or h
ear a
bout
ene
rgy
Follo
w lo
cal e
nerg
y is
sues
Follo
w n
atio
nal e
nerg
y is
sues
Con
side
r ene
rgy
issu
es im
porta
nt
Ask
ed a
dvic
e on
ene
rgy
issu
es o
ften
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
DemocratRepublicanIndependentLibertarian
Page 10Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Should the federal government focus on developing…?
None of these
Coal
Nuclear
Oil
Natural Gas
Renewable technologies
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
4%
48%
53%
66%
82%
89%
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 11Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
The U.S. should export natural gas to other countries…
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Spring 2013 Fall 20130%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
28%
34%
39%
30%33%
36%
AgreeDisagreeNeutral
Page 12Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Hydraulic Fracturing: Greater Awareness, Less Support
Spring 2012 Fall 2012 Spring 2013 Fall 20130%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
32%35%
42%40%
48%
41%
45%
38%
Familiar with the term "hydraulic fracturing" or "fracking"Support the use of hydraulic fractur-ing*
* Includes only those respondents who say they are familiar with hy-draulic fracturing or fracking. Base: 861
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 13Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
<35 35-54 55-64 65+0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
32%
40%
46%
50%
Familiar with “hydraulic fracturing” sometimes referred to as “fracking”
Age
Page 14Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Gender and Hydraulic Fracturing
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
The government should focus on de-veloping natural gas
Support hydraulic fracturing*0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
77%
41%
86%
33%
MenWomen
* Among 861 respondents familiar with “hydraulic fracturing" or “fracking”
Page 15Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Trust in Energy Labels at Major Retail Stores
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
56%42%
25%
"Energy-saving" labels
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70% 59%
40%
25%
"Energy-efficient" labels
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 16Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Trust in Energy Labels at Major Retail Stores
"energy-efficient" label "energy-saving" label40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
59%
53%
60%59%
menwomen
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 17Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Which country do you believe is the largest foreign supplier of oil for the U.S.?
SAUDI ARABIA – 58%Iraq – 15%
Canada – 13%Venezuela – 8%
Mexico – 3%Russia – 2%
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 18Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Actual descending order for foreign oil imports to the U.S.
CANADA – 28%Saudi Arabia – 16%
Venezuela – 11%Mexico – 11%
Iraq – 6%Russia – 1%
Source: Energy Information Administration 2012
Page 19Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Americans who think that climate change…
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Spring 2012 Fall 2012 Spring 2013 Fall 20130%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
65%
73% 73% 72%
22%
16% 16%17%
13%11% 11% 11%
Is occurring Is not occurring Don’t know
Page 20Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
“Climate change is occurring”
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Democrat Republican Libertarian Independent0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
87%
52%
66% 68%
Political affiliation
Page 21Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Americans Energy Concerns
The impact of hydraulic fracturing on the natural environment
The impact of domestic oil drilling and production on the natural environment
The effect of our nation’s energy production and consumption on carbon emissions
The energy efficiency of your home
Developing renewable sources of energy
The portion of your household budget spent on energy
Depletion of water resources
Consumption of oil from foreign sources
Cost of electricity
Cost of gasoline
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
51%
55%
60%
64%
66%
70%
70%
71%
78%
87%
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 22Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Consider water conservation and energy efficiency a priority
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Energy efficiency
Water conservation
20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
72%
65%
Page 23Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Prioritize energy efficiency
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Northeast Midwest South West50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80% 79%
71%70% 70%
Page 24Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
What level of influence do the following have on the environment?
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
My personal actions
Large corporations’ actions
U.S. government’s actions
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
37%
72%
68%
“significant”
Page 25Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Americans satisfied with the job that each is doing toaddress the energy issues most important to them
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
The US CongressLarge US companies
Energy investors Oil and gas companies
US Department of EnergyCoal industry
Your local governmentYour state government
Nuclear energy industry Natural Resources Defense Council
Environmental Defense FundThe Sierra Club
President Barack ObamaUS Environmental Protection Agency
Energy entrepreneurs Hydroelectric industry
Small US companiesThe Nature Conservancy
GreenpeaceYour electric provider
Universities Renewable energy companies
Research institutes / think tanks Engineers and scientists
You / Your Household
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
9%15%
16%16%
17%17%
19%19%19%
20%21%21%
22%22%
23%26%
27%28%
29%31%31%
32%32%
38%50%
Page 26Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
www.utenergypoll.com
For more information:
Page 27Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
American Attitudes on Hydraulic Fracturing
October 15, 2013
Sheril KirshenbaumDirector of The Energy Poll
Page 28Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Impartial and authoritative source of public perspectives on energy to inform and guide discussion, business planning and
policy development
Fall 2013• Online survey conducted September 5-23, 2013• 2,144 respondents, weighted to reflect U.S. Census demographics
Page 29Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Hydraulic Fracturing: Greater Awareness, Less Support
Spring 2012 Fall 2012 Spring 2013 Fall 20130%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
32%35%
42%40%
48%
41%
45%
38%
Familiar with the term "hydraulic fracturing" or "fracking"Support the use of hydraulic fractur-ing*
* Includes only those respondents who say they are familiar with hy-draulic fracturing or fracking. Base: 861
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 30Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Familiar with “hydraulic fracturing” sometimes referred to as “fracking”
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Democrats Republicans Independents Libertarians0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
38%
46% 47%50%
Political affiliation
Page 31Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
White African American Hispanic Other0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
44%
23%
37% 36%
Familiar with “hydraulic fracturing” sometimes referred to as “fracking”
Race
Page 32Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
<35 35-54 55-64 65+0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
32%
40%
46%
50%
Familiar with “hydraulic fracturing” sometimes referred to as “fracking”
Age
Page 33Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Should the federal government focus on developing…?
None of these
Coal
Nuclear
Oil
Natural Gas
Renewable technologies
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
4%
48%
53%
66%
82%
89%
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 34Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Gender and Hydraulic Fracturing
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
The government should focus on de-veloping natural gas
Support hydraulic fracturing*0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
77%
41%
86%
33%
MenWomen
* Among 861 respondents familiar with “hydraulic fracturing" or “fracking”
Page 35Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
The U.S. should export natural gas to other countries…
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Spring 2013 Fall 20130%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
28%
34%
39%
30%33%
36%
AgreeDisagreeNeutral
Page 36Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
www.utenergypoll.com
For more information:
Page 37Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
American Attitudes on the Energy-Water Nexus
October 15, 2013
Sheril KirshenbaumDirector of The Energy Poll
Page 38Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Impartial and authoritative source of public perspectives on energy to inform and guide discussion, business planning and
policy development
Fall 2013 Special Section: Energy-Water Nexus• Online survey conducted September 5-23, 2013• 2,144 respondents, weighted to reflect U.S. Census demographics
Page 39Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
In which of the following areas do you think the United Sates uses the most water on an annual basis?
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Agriculture / Farming
35%
Residential 30%
Industrial 29%
Mining4%
Other 1% Don’t know
1%
Page 40Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
In preparing for our future water needs, the U.S. government…
is doing too many
things21%
should do more57%
neutral22%
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 41Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
A significant increase in wa-
ter prices32%
Discovering that you use signifi-
cantly more water (per square foot) than your neigh-
bors use5%
Both would affect my behavior equally
36%
Neither would af-fect my behavior
14%
Don’t know11%
Other 2%
Which of the following is more likely to lead you to reduce your household water consumption?
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Page 42Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Consider water conservation and energy efficiency a priority
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Energy efficiency
Water conservation
20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
72%
65%
Page 43Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Would like for the US government’s support or involvement to increase in…
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Voluntary labeling of water-efficient products and equipment
Funding for new or expanded water and sewer facilities
Research and development on desalination (the removal of salt from sea water)
Adoption of efficiency standards for new water-using products
Rebates or tax incentives for homeowners to install water-efficient landscaping
Funding for repairing water and sewer facilities
Development of building codes to make new buildings more water-efficient
Research and development on water efficiency
Rebates or tax incentives for consumers that purchase water-efficient products
Enforcement of laws against pollution of drinking water
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
38%
47%
47%
49%
50%
54%
54%
56%
58%
65%
Page 44Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
www.utenergypoll.com
For more information:
Page 45Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
American Attitudes on Climate
October 15, 2013
Sheril KirshenbaumDirector of The Energy Poll
Page 46Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Impartial and authoritative source of public perspectives on energy to inform and guide discussion, business planning and
policy development
Fall 2013• Online survey conducted September 5-23, 2013• 2,144 respondents, weighted to reflect U.S. Census demographics
Page 47Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Americans who think that climate change…
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Spring 2012 Fall 2012 Spring 2013 Fall 20130%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
65%
73% 73% 72%
22%
16% 16%17%
13%11% 11% 11%
Is occurring Is not occurring Don’t know
Page 48Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
“Climate change is occurring”
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Democrat Republican Libertarian Independent0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
87%
52%
66% 68%
Political affiliation
Page 49Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
“Climate change is occurring”
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
<35 35-54 55-64 65+0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
77%74%
71%
60%
Age
Page 50Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
“Climate change is occurring”
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Hispanic African American White Other0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
76%
82%
69%
84%
Race
Page 51Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
Which of the following do you think is a contributingfactor in global climate change?
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
Other
Agriculture (including livestock)
Natural gas
Natural forces (not manmade)
Coal
Oil
Deforestation
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
7%
37%
41%
44%
59%
63%
74%
Page 52Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
What level of influence do the following have on the environment?
September 2013 Base: 2144.All results based on weighted data
My personal actions
Large corporations’ actions
U.S. government’s actions
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
37%
72%
68%
“significant”
Page 53Source: University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll
www.utenergypoll.com
For more information: