New Poll: Americans Strongly Support RFS, Want Energy Independence

A record 74% of registered voters support the Renewable Fuel Standard, with just 12% opposed to the policy. This is the highest level of support for the RFS in 10 years of quarterly polling by RFA. By a margin of three to one, respondents said it is important that the government require oil companies to meet their RFS obligations, rather than allowing them to avoid blending requirements with exemptions.

The polling found 87% of voters believe it is important for America to be energy independent, and 80% said renewable fuels like ethanol are important to achieving energy independence.

 "These poll results send a clear message: voters recognize that American-made renewable fuels like ethanol strengthen our energy security, support domestic jobs, and help reduce our reliance on foreign energy,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Record-high support for the Renewable Fuel Standard reflects a growing understanding that homegrown, affordable renewable fuels are essential to America's energy future and economic strength."

Of those surveyed, 69% have a favorable opinion of renewable fuels like ethanol, compared to just 12$ who have an unfavorable opinion. Respondents said affordability and being made in America are the attributes that contribute most to their favorable opinion of ethanol.

 Other key findings from the polling include:

• 83% are concerned about gas price fluctuations, with 53% being “very concerned”;
• 71% said rising gasoline prices are likely to influence their vote in the upcoming mid-term elections;
• 49% said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East makes them more supportive of policies that promote America-made renewable fuels, with 29%saying the conflict has not affected their level of support for renewable fuels;
• The Middle East conflict does not appear to have increased interest in electric vehicles, with 47% saying they are not interested in purchasing or leasing an EV, compared to 43% who say they are interested;
• Meanwhile, 68% said it is important for the U.S. government to promote the production and sale of flex-fuel vehicles that can run on up to 85% ethanol.

The poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of RFA. It surveyed 2,039 registered voters from June 23-25. The poll’s margin of error is +2 percent.