• Americans Show Strong Support for Policies that Encourage Resource Use to Bolster Energy Independence, National Security

Americans Show Strong Support for Policies that Encourage Resource Use to Bolster Energy Independence, National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. As Energy Week comes to a close and Fourth of July approaches, new polling conducted for the National Mining Association (NMA) shows strong support for policies that encourage the use of domestic coal and mineral resources to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen national security.

Energy Policy

Almost six in 10 voters (59 percent) support an all-of-the above energy policy that uses all domestic energy sources—including coal—to make the U.S. less reliant on energy imports and less vulnerable to supply disruption. (27 percent oppose and 14 percent had no opinion).

Minerals Access

Nearly 60 percent of voters support streamlining the mine permitting process to improve timely access to domestic resources that make possible the manufacture of military equipment like high-performance jet engines and armored vehicles. (22 percent of voters oppose and 19 percent of voters had no opinion).

Despite the need for these resources, the process to obtain a mining permit in the U.S. can currently take seven to 10 years, compared to two to three years in other countries, such as Canada and Australia. The U.S. remains entirely import-dependent for 19 key minerals resources and more than 50 percent import-dependent for an additional 24 minerals, subjecting our supply chains to geopolitical instability, supply disruption and cost increases.

The poll, conducted by Morning Consult, highlighted public support for supply-side policies that facilitate domestic use of energy and minerals. “As the July 4th holiday approaches, we are reminded of the importance our Founding Fathers attached to independence, and how our nation’s great endowment of natural resources can help safeguard our freedom from reliance on foreign powers,” said Hal Quinn, NMA president and CEO.

“America is home to coal reserves that could power our economy for hundreds of years to come, and an estimated $6.2 trillion worth of minerals and metals that make lifesaving military technology and product innovation possible,” said Quinn. “Importing resources that we already have here at home or underutilizing to their full potential harms both our energy security and our national security. Most Americans appear to agree that we should re-evaluate short-sighted policies and regulations that keep our most valuable resources locked underground.”

The polling, conducted by Morning Consult June 20-21, 2017, included 1,982 registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2 percent

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