He is only considered as doing a good job of improving
energy policy by 42 percent of the public (Gallup, 3-24-14). His rating has
been weak since early 2010 (43%), but today, it is a more serious political
problem given the salience and impending decisions concerning the Keystone
Pipeline, liquefying natural gas and fracking, all items economically important
in battleground states, such as Colorado, Louisiana, Arkansas, Montana and
Alaska.
Obama’s rating for making America prosperous is equally low
(39%), but he scores better on “protecting the nation’s environment” (51%).
Unfortunately for Democrats, today, energy policy and the economy are
considered more important priorities than the environment.
The President’s timely decision on the Keystone Pipeline is important
to Senator Mark Udall:
Udall’s “natural sentiment
would be to be against” KXL [Keystone Pipeline], Denver-based independent
pollster Floyd Ciruli said in an interview, as he is “fundamentally our most
environmental senator.”
Gardner is an ardent
industry backer, however, and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) is supportive
of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas even as the issue sparks multiple local
battles over banning the practice. Having to “weed [weave] through” the
challenge of green support for fracking bans, Ciruli added, means Udall is
likely “praying that the president will decide [on KXL] so he can move on.”
(Elana Schor, E&E Publishing, 2-28-14)
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