CONSUMERS and REFINERS UNITED FOR DOMESTIC ENERGY

(CRUDE)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeffrey Peck
September 11, 2014 jpeck@pmj-dc.com
(202) 775-8116



N.H. VOTERS OPPOSE CRUDE OIL EXPORTS DUE
TO DEEP CONCERNS ABOUT IMPACTS ON
GASOLINE PRICES AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Seven of 10 Granite State voters would not vote for an elected official who
supported lifting the crude oil export ban amid rising gasoline prices

CONCORD By very strong margins, New Hampshire voters oppose efforts to boost crude
oil exports due to concerns that gasoline prices would rise while the country continues to
rely substantially on foreign oil imports, according to a recent survey conducted by the
University of New Hampshire (UNH) Survey Center for Consumers and Refiners United
for Domestic Energy (CRUDE).

Granite State voters are clear in wanting energy independence and significantly less crude
oil imports from the Middle East and elsewhere before policymakers even consider
allowing crude oil exports, said Jeffrey Peck, spokesperson for CRUDE.

New Hampshire voters responded with overwhelming sentiment:

They strongly believe that the United States continues importing too much crude oil
and should reduce imports from the Middle East and other countries before
exporting American oil.

The government should continue limiting crude oil exports if current policy is
keeping gasoline prices from going higher in the United States.

The government needs to be certain about the impact crude oil exports would have
on gasoline prices before the existing law is changed.

New Hampshire citizens are very clear that they will hold elected officials responsible if
drivers have to pay higher gasoline prices because Congress or the Administration lifts the
crude oil export ban, said Peck. In fact, Granite Staters overwhelming support limiting
crude oil exports if doing so keeps gasoline prices low and from rising higher.


Key data points from the survey:



Two thirds of New Hampshire voters believe the U.S. is importing too much oil from
foreign countries, with 86% agreeing that the U.S. should reduce the amount of oil
imports from the Middle East and other countries before exporting domestic crude.

85% of Granite Staters agree the US should limit exports of crude oil if doing so
keeps gasoline prices from rising in the US.

78% of New Hampshire voters want the government to be certain about the impact
of crude oil exports on gasoline prices before the current law is changed.

70% would be less likely to vote for an elected official who voted to allow crude oil
exports and gas prices then went up.

A mere 1% of New Hampshire voters are more likely to vote for an elected official
who voted to allow exports amid rising gas prices.

56% would be less likely to vote for an elected official who voted in favor of
exporting crude oil to foreign countries before the U.S. became energy independent.
Only 6% would be more likely to vote for an elected official who does take such a
position.

The New Hampshire voters we surveyed clearly want to reduce the amount of crude oil
America imports before we export domestic supplies, said Dr. Andrew Smith, Director of
the UNH Survey Center. Voters also want to know that gasoline prices will stay stable
before lifting the ban on exporting crude oil to foreign countries.
The UNH Poll of 418 randomly selected New Hampshire registered voters was conducted
between July 31 and August 6, 2014. The margin of error for the survey is +/- 4.8%.


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