With just 77 days until Election Day, a new poll shows that voters across the country are ready to back candidates who support oil and natural gas development and that they believe this American-made energy has been vital in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The poll – which was released by the American Petroleum Institute and conducted by Morning Consult, a non-partisan survey firm –  found that 64 percent of respondents are “much more likely” or “somewhat more likely” to vote for a candidate who “supports policies that ensure consumers continue to have access to natural gas and oil produced in the U.S.”

This strong support for oil and natural gas is the big takeaway heading into November as the poll surveyed voters in 12 different swing states including Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Those energy-producing states will help decide whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden wins the White House and if Republicans or Democrats take control of Congress. As API CEO Mike Sommers said:

“As we approach the election, it is clear a majority of voters know and support the critical role the natural gas and oil industry plays in driving the economic recovery, keeping energy costs low and protecting national security,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “U.S. energy leadership has been a priority of every one of our last seven presidents, Democrat and Republican – a trend this polling shows American voters want to see continue. Proposals to ban U.S. energy production are out of step with bipartisan support for an all-of-the-above energy approach and would set America back by returning us to the days of relying on foreign energy.”

Trump has consistently stated his support for American-made energy and has advanced policies to boost oil and natural gas production. Biden has said he wants to ban fracking on public lands, but will allow the practice to continue elsewhere.

In addition to supporting pro-oil and natural gas candidates, several questions revealed just how important these fuels are to American consumers and workers.

Nearly 60 percent of respondents said it was “very” or “extremely important” that the United States continues “to improve how to get natural gas and oil to make it more efficient” and 82 percent said that oil and natural gas provides “a great deal of value” or “some value” to their lives. Another 75 percent said they “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that oil and natural gas are “essential to a modern lifestyle.”

A majority of respondents also stated they value the contribution of oil and natural gas in helping the economy bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic with 63 percent saying it has a “very important” or “somewhat important” role, while 66 percent agreed that oil and natural products byproducts “help make medical devices and protective equipment that are critical to healthcare providers and patients.”

Looking ahead, respondents see a major role for oil and natural in America’s future energy mix. Seventy-three percent said the fuels will play “a very significant role” or “somewhat” significant role” in meeting energy needs 20 years from now.

There is also support for continuing efforts to make oil and natural gas development better for the environment with 83 percent agreeing that producers should “continue to work with the best minds to develop and apply new technologies to allow for cleaner and smarter energy production.” Another 74 percent agree that Congress should invest in natural gas to help lower carbon emissions.

This sentiment tracks recent trends in the energy industry where natural gas has led all energy sources in lowering carbon emissions and the fuel has helped make the U.S. the world leader in emissions reductions.