Energy survey shows Americans are
misinformed on key issues
28-06-07
At a time when millions of Americans are
focusing on energy issues and policies, a new survey finds that most US
adults have a fundamental lack of knowledge regarding energy demand and
supplies and the role of America's oil and natural gas companies. In fact,
when presented with 20 multiple choice questions, on average more than 25 %
of respondents said they were "not sure," and in many cases people chose the
response that is farthest from the correct answer.
"Americans are concerned about energy issues, but they know very little
about where energy comes from, what it takes to get it to market and the
challenges the energy industry faces to meet growing demand," said Jim
Hoskins, Ph.D., senior vice president for Harris Interactive, which
conducted the survey. "This survey shows that when it comes to important
energy questions, the public is not just uninformed, they are misinformed."
"The results of this survey clearly show
that we need to do a better job of communicating with people about the
realities of global energy markets and our industry," said Red Cavaney,
American Petroleum Institute’s (API's) president and CEO.
"Our companies are committed to sharing our perspectives on energy issues
with policymakers and the public, in the hope that by increasing
understanding we all can work together to enact policies that ensure a
reliable, sustainable energy future now and for generations to come."
API commissioned the online research by
Harris Interactive of 1,333 Americans between May 29 and June 4, 2007. Among
the survey's key findings:
-- Those surveyed greatly overestimate the amount of oil the United States
imports from the Middle East.
-- When asked which country was the largest US supplier of oil, almost 60 %
chose Saudi Arabia, which is actually the fifth largest supplier, after
Canada, Mexico, Nigeria and Venezuela. Only 1 in 10 people correctly
identified Canada as the largest supplier to the United States.
-- Only 8 % correctly noted that less than 15 % of the oil the United States
consumes comes from Persian Gulf countries; just over one-quarter of people
pegged the figure between 46 and 60 % -- three to four times higher than the
actual figure.
-- Americans seriously overestimate the size of US oil and natural gas
companies relative to competing companies that are owned by foreign
governments.
-- When asked "What percentage of the world's 10 biggest oil and natural gas
companies are owned and operated by foreign governments?," only 2 % of
respondents knew that all of the top 10 companies fall into that category.
-- Similarly, only 8 % knew that ExxonMobil, the largest US oil and natural
gas company, was not among the top 10 largest oil reserve holders. More than
1 in 3 people (36 %) thought ExxonMobil was among the top three largest
companies.
-- The public underestimates the continued importance of fossil fuels in
meeting global energy demand in the next 25 years, and overestimates the
impact renewable sources will have in meeting that demand.
--While the International Energy Agency projects that 81 % of global energy
demand in 2030 will be met by fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal,
only 14 % of respondents chose this answer. The majority thought it would be
61 % or less.
-- While the US Energy Information Administration projects that less than 10
% of US energy use will be supplied by renewable sources in 2030, only 5 %
of respondents chose this answer. More than one in three people (34 %)
thought renewable sources would account for 20 % or more.
-- People overestimate the profits of US oil and natural gas companies and
have very little understanding of the significant investments these
companies are making in emerging energy technologies.
-- On profits, 42 % of respondents guessed that the industry earned between
16 and 20 cents on every dollar of gasoline sales in 2006. In fact, the
industry earned 9.5 cents -- a choice (6 to 10 cents) selected by only 14 %
of respondents.
-- On investments, only 7 % correctly estimated that US oil and natural gas
companies invested almost $ 100 bn in emerging energy technologies in North
America alone between 2000 and 2005. More than one third estimated less than
$ 25 bn, the lowest possible choice.
Interviewing:
Respondents:
-- 1,333 US Adults, Ages 18+
Margin of error:
-- With a pure probability sample of 1,359 one could say with a 95 %
probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/- 3
percentage points. Sampling error for data based on sub-samples would be
higher and may vary. However, that does not take other sources of error into
account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and
therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
For complete text of the survey and more information -- including survey
methodology -- please go to http://www.energytomorrow.org/.
Source: www.downstreamtoday.com / American
Petroleum Institute
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