CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginians broadly support natural gas and oil development and want the state’s energy resources used to create greater economic benefits here at home, according to a new statewide survey commissioned by the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV).
The survey of 625 registered West Virginia voters found 65% support natural gas and oil drilling in West Virginia, while just 23% oppose it. Additionally, 64% support building additional natural gas-powered electricity generation facilities in the state, compared with 19% who oppose.
“These results send a clear message: West Virginians want to put our state’s abundant natural resources to work for West Virginia,” said Rebecca McPhail, President, Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia. “That means affordable and reliable energy, good-paying jobs, new investment and more of the economic value created by West Virginia natural gas staying right here at home.”
Affordability emerged as a defining concern. Ninety-three percent of voters said they are concerned about the impact of the cost of living on their personal finances, including 65% who are very concerned. Inflation and the cost of living also ranked as the state’s top issue, cited by 43% of respondents.
Those concerns extend directly to energy policy. Sixty-six percent said they would not be willing to pay more on their monthly electricity bill to protect a particular fuel source. When asked about their preferred approach to electricity generation, 54% chose either a mix of energy resources or simply the least expensive energy available.
When voters were asked what West Virginia’s natural gas and oil industry should make its top priority, 39% selected keeping energy affordable, followed by reducing environmental impacts at 19%. Creating and protecting jobs, supporting local schools and communities, improving safety and oversight, and helping attract manufacturing were also among the priorities identified by respondents.
The survey also points to an opportunity to ensure more of the economic value created by West Virginia energy remains within the state. Sixteen percent of respondents identified economic benefits not staying in West Virginia as their biggest concern about natural gas and oil development, second only to water quality at 19%.
“West Virginia has an opportunity to do more than produce natural gas,” McPhail said. “We can use it here to generate electricity, support manufacturing and economic development, create jobs and strengthen communities across our state. Responsible energy development should create lasting benefits for the people who live and work here.”
The results also show support for a practical, broad-based approach to West Virginia’s energy future rather than policies designed to favor a single energy source.
“West Virginians are looking for solutions that work,” McPhail said. “They want reliable energy, reasonable costs, responsible development and economic opportunities that strengthen our communities. West Virginia natural gas can play an important role in delivering all four.”
Key Survey Findings
- 65% support natural gas and oil drilling in West Virginia.
- 64% support additional natural gas-powered electricity generation facilities.
- 93% are concerned about the impact of the cost of living on their personal finances.
- 66% would not pay more on their monthly electricity bill to protect a particular fuel source.
- 54% prefer either a mix of energy resources or whichever energy source is least expensive.
- 39% believe keeping energy affordable should be the natural gas and oil industry’s top priority.
- 16% say their biggest concern is that the economic benefits of development do not stay in West Virginia.
About the Survey
The statewide survey was conducted by Three Point Strategies (3PS) and Quantum Survey Group in June 2026, among 625 registered West Virginia voters using an online survey panel. Results were weighted by age, education, gender, race and region to reflect West Virginia’s registered voter population.
About GO-WV
The Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia, Inc. is a statewide trade association representing
companies engaged in all facets of the oil and natural gas industry.
