April 29, 2015

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

A Nation Divided On Keystone XL

The new results from the nationally representative UT Energy Poll are out today, highlighting the way so many energy issues have become politicized.

By Sheril Kirshenbaum

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

The new results from the nationally representative UT Energy Poll are out today, highlighting the way so many energy issues have become politicized. A standout this time is the Keystone XL pipeline project–the last segment of a pipeline system that runs from western Canada to refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast. Construction on this yet-to-be-approved final phase has become a lightning rod for contentious public debate.

Just 42 percent of 2,078 survey respondents are even familiar with Keystone XL. Among them, 72 percent of Republicans support its construction, while just 28 percent of Democrats agree.

(Click to view larger)

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Sixty-two percent of Republicans would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who favors completion of Keystone XL, while just 29 percent of Democrats agree. Meanwhile, general support among all survey respondents for candidates who favor construction of the pipeline has declined, from 46 percent six months ago to 39 percent today.

Despite that political battles over Keystone XL on Capitol Hill and in the media usually revolve around climate change, only 6 percent of those opposed to the pipeline project cite climate change as their top concern. Instead, 36 percent are most worried about environmental degradation and 14 percent point to water contamination. Meanwhile, 26 percent who support the project say their top reason is greater energy independence, 25 percent cite job creation and another 25 percent believe it will lead to lower energy prices.

There’s a lot more to unpack in the Spring 2015 UT Energy Poll release so go take a look at the topline results and explore the methodology and results online…

Sheril Kirshenbaum is executive director of Science Debate, a nonpartisan org working to get presidential candidates on record on science policy. She co-directs Michigan State University's Food Literacy and Engagement Poll and hosts the NPR podcast Serving Up Science.

More by Sheril Kirshenbaum

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe