Index of University Press Releases

May 1, 2008

DWU Tiger Poll: Fuel costs driving support for pipeline and refineries

MITCHELL — Support is strong for the construction of a pipeline and proposed oil refineries in North and South Dakota, according to researchers at Dakota Wesleyan University.

The poll conducted by DWU, which surveyed both North and South Dakotans, indicated that 66 percent of South Dakotans and 70 percent of North Dakotans support the construction of the planned TransCanada Keystone Pipeline which will traverse both states as it delivers crude oil from Canada to Southern U.S. markets.

The poll of 527 North and South Dakotans, conducted between March 24 and April 3, 2008, asked respondents if they oppose or support the construction of an oil pipeline across their state.

The poll found even more support for the construction of a new oil refinery. Sixty-nine percent of South Dakotans and 84 percent of North Dakotans support the construction of proposed oil refineries in their respective states.

Nearly half of South Dakotans surveyed, 45 percent, identified the economy or gas prices as the most important problem facing the country today, and among those who identified gas and fuel prices as the most pressing problem, 85 percent supported the pipeline and 80 percent supported the construction of a refinery in the state. Among those who identified the economy as the most important problem, 69 percent supported the construction of a refinery and 65 percent supported the planned pipeline.

“The economy and rising fuel costs are a definite political advantage for those who are pushing for the construction of these major projects,” stated Don Simmons, director of the McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service at DWU. “Many of those responding to the poll expressed frustration about the cost of fuel and hope these projects will bring some relief.”

Where people lived in South Dakota seemed also to be a factor for those surveyed. Seventy-three percent of respondents who lived west of the Missouri River supported the construction of a refinery, while only 65 percent east of the river indicated support. Sixty-six percent of respondents who lived west of the Missouri River supported the construction of the pipeline, while 68 percent east of the river indicated support.

The DWU Tiger Poll is a joint project of the McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service and the DWU Mathematics Department. Donald Simmons, Michael Catalano and Rocky Von Eye form the faculty research team for the DWU Tiger Poll. Student research coordinators for the 2008 DWU Tiger Poll are Nicole Dufek, Geddes; Andrew Frank, Mitchell; Katrina Jarding, Alexandria; and Marcus Vontz, Cambridge, Neb. Student statisticians are Nick Gates, Mitchell; Courtney Arseneault, Custer; and Andrew Leggott, Johnson Lake, Neb.

The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 4 percent for the entire sample, with entire statewide sample margins of error at plus or minus 6 percent. Subset sample margins of error vary depending on selected sample sizes. Totals may not equal 100 percent as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.

For information about other poll results, visit www.mcgoverncenter.com/poll2008.