Analyzing the factors that influence U.S. public support for exporting natural gas

The U.S. is now the global leader in natural gas production. The federal government is changing policies and priorities to expand natural gas export to foreign energy markets. Such an expansion requires increased pipeline capacity and the development of export terminals for shipping. While natural gas export is a burgeoning energy and environmental issue, we know little about what influences public support/opposition for the practice. Such information is vital to all levels of government and stakeholders. Using a national online survey sample (n = 1042), we examine what factors influence public support/opposition. Results of regression analysis indicate that supporters tend to be male, hold a bachelor's degree or higher, wealthier, politically conservative, and reference affective images of the economy, energy, and trade. In contrast, opponents tend to be women, politically liberal, and reference affective images related to keeping natural gas in the U.S., the environment, and hydraulic fracturing. Based on these findings, we discuss implications for energy policy, public communication about this issue, and future research. •We surveyed 1042 Americans about their opinions toward natural gas export in 2017.•Supporters tend to be male, more educated, politically conservative, and higher income.•Those in opposition tend to be female and politically liberal.•Economy, energy, and trade are affective images for support.•Environment, hydraulic fracturing, and domestic energy are affective images for opposition.