Given the clear benefits associated with natural gas — more jobs, a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and strengthened energy security — it’s no surprise that the American people, especially those across Appalachia, continue to show broad support for the safe development of this abundant, job-creating resource. In fact, a recent Siena College poll — highlighted in a Democrat and Chronicle article, “More New Yorkers Support Fracking, Poll Says” – underscores this support growing in New York. This from that article:

Support for hydraulic fracturing is inching up among New York’s voters, according to a new poll released Friday. According to the Siena Research Institute survey, 42 percent of likely state voters support allowing hydrofracking for natural gas to move forward in “parts of upstate New York.” … “More voters now support (the state Department of Environmental Conservation) moving forward on hydrofracking than in any previous Siena poll,” Siena pollster Steve Greenberg said.

And by even larger margins – nearly 2-to-1 – Pittsburgh area residents support the safe development of clean-burning natural gas. This from the Pittsburgh Business Times report earlier in the week:

Over the past three months, CivicScience surveyed 5,582 Pittsburgh area residents about presidential preference…then cross tabulated those answers with how those same responders said they feel about fossil fuels. With [natural] gas, 20 percent were indifferent, while 53 percent were in support and 28 percent against.

Natural gas continues to play a growing and increasingly important role in fueling America. For example, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, according to New York Times report, “Natural Gas Kept Some Spots Bright and Warm as Sandy Blasted New York City.” Likewise, the responsible development of our abundant, homegrown natural gas resources is bolstering America’s security. Even OPEC recognizes that as America produces more of our own oil and natural gas, the less dependent we will be on their cartel to keep our economy moving.

So while this week’s election had its fair share of surprises across the nation, we aren’t surprised that some who oppose and ran against the safe development of job-creating American natural gas in New York did not have much to celebrate on Tuesday night. After all, Marcellus Shale is Powering an American Renaissance.