Poll: Majority of voters oppose more oil exports

A majority of voters across the U.S. are opposed to expanding oil and gas exports, according to a new poll.

The survey found that 69 percent of voters oppose allowing U.S. oil and gas companies to export more overseas, seemingly throwing a wrench into proposals floated by lawmakers who support lifting a decades-old ban on oil exports.

{mosads}The poll, conducted for the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, comes as one Senate Republican is trying to attach a measure that would repeal the ban on crude oil exports to legislation that approves the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said Monday during debate on the Senate’s Keystone bill that he will propose an amendment to allow more oil exports. 

Opponents to lifting the ban say more exports would increase gas prices at home and only benefit the oil companies.

The poll also reveals that a majority of voters from both parties are against lifting the ban.

They also say that more exports could threaten U.S. energy security. Voters instead want more investments in refinery capacity in the U.S.

The poll from Center for American Progress surveyed 1,101 likely 2016 voters will be released on Thursday.