Poll shows Americans strongly support RFS, want energy independence

A new nationwide poll of more than 2,000 registered voters found a strong majority of Americans support the Renewable Fuel Standard and believe renewable fuels—like ethanol—play a key role in enhancing national energy security.

A record 74 percent of registered voters support the RFS, with just 12 percent opposed to the policy.

This is the highest level of support for the RFS in 10 years of quarterly polling by the Renewable Fuels Association.

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 percent of voters believe it is important for America to be energy independent, and 80 percent said renewable fuels are important to achieving energy independence.

“As Americans celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, 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 percent have a favorable opinion of renewable fuels like ethanol, compared to just 12 percent 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 percent are concerned about gas-price fluctuations, with 53 percent being “very concerned.”

• 71 percent said rising gasoline prices are likely to influence their vote in the upcoming mid-term elections.

• 49 percent said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East makes them more supportive of policies that promote America-made renewable fuels, with 29 percent 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 percent saying they are not interested in purchasing or leasing an EV, compared to 43 percent who say they are interested.

• Meanwhile, 68 percent 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 percent 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 plus or minus 2 percent.