Almost Everybody in America (Except Obama) Wants Keystone Built

Pew developed a political typology, which sorts voters into cohesive groups based on their attitudes and values, provides a field guide for this constantly changing landscape. The groups are based on a series of questions (you can find out what you are by answering the questions here)

After discussing the different categories Pew publish results explaining which categories of political typology approve of which issues.

All of the political categories want the Keystone Pipeline built except for the solid liberals which by the description (partisan and liberal across the board) is most probably where President Obama fits in.

While most groups prioritize developing alternative sources of energy over the expanded production of oil, coal and natural gas, the Keystone XL pipeline is broadly supported. Six of the seven typology groups support building the Keystone XL pipeline, including the Next Generation Left, which has pro-environmental views on most measures.

Solid Liberals are the only group in which a majority opposes the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands to refineries in Texas. By nearly two-to-one (57%-30%), Solid Liberals oppose construction of the pipeline.

Business Conservatives are nearly unanimous in their support for building the Keystone XL pipeline (94%-2%); and almost nine-in-ten Steadfast Conservatives (87%) also back construction.

Somewhat smaller majorities of Young Outsiders (59%), Hard-Pressed Skeptics (60%), the Faith and Family Left (60%) and the Next Generation Left (62%) support building the Keystone pipeline.

Somewhat smaller majorities of Young Outsiders (59%), Hard-Pressed Skeptics (60%), the Faith and Family Left (60%) and the Next Generation Left (62%) support building the Keystone pipeline.

Of course most polls, not just Pew, show a large segment of Americans want the pipeline built.

In February the State Department released a report which said in part that the construction of the pipeline would create 42,100 jobs, and that it would not significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.  The pipeline is a economic stimulus this country desperately needs.

Pagination

It's not unusual for polls to show overwhelming support for Keystone. We've seen that for years.

What the new poll shows is that even left-leaning voters who see themselves as environmentally conscious, pro-wind and pro-solar don't believe that Keystone runs contrary to that ultimate goal.


In February the State Department released a report which said in part that the construction of the pipeline would create 42,100 jobs, and that it would not significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.  The pipeline is a economic stimulus this country desperately needs.