Archived Polls

Will previously-planned downstream investments be cut back in 2015 due to lower global oil prices?

• Yes 59%
• No 13%
• Depends how long current prices last 28%

Should the US allow exports of crude oil? (At present, US companies can export refined products derived from crude but not the raw crude itself.)

• Yes  63%
• No  37%

With the final environmental review of the Keystone XL pipeline showing almost no impact on climate change, will the US approve TransCanada's project?

• Yes  91%
• No  9%

Will the planned overhaul of Mexico's energy policy lead to a significant increase in downstream business from foreign companies?

• Yes  38%
• No  62%

Will Middle East petrochemical producers lose market share in Asia and Europe due to North American exports?

• Yes  44%
• No  28%
• Too early to tell  28%

Which network within crude oil transportation will be most popular in coming years for North American refiners?

• Pipeline  71%
• Rail  16%
• Barge  13%

Compared to the rest of the world, how long will the US hold its "ethane advantage" of cheap petrochemical feedstock?

• Up to 5 years  31%
• Up to 10 years  49%
• Longer  20%

With the trial underway, who is most to blame for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster?

• BP (leaser)  37%
• Transocean (owner)  47%
• Halliburton (contractor)  16%

In the wake of recent accidents, do global energy companies have sufficient safety protocols in place for Arctic projects?

• Yes  28%
• No  25%
• Depends on the company  48%

In the wake of recent accidents, do global energy companies have sufficient safety protocols in place for Arctic projects?

• Yes  28%
• No  25%
• Depends on the company  48%

With a second term as US president now secure, will the Obama administration ultimately approve the proposed Keystone XL pipeline system?

• Yes  68%
• No  32%

Has your HPI company addressed cybersecurity at its operating facilities?

• Yes, we are prepared  53%
• Somewhat, we are considering new software  23%
• No, waiting on guidelines from regulators  25%

Is it reasonable for 15% fuel ethanol blends (E15) to be used in passenger vehicles during the next decade?

• Yes, within 5 years  21%
• Yes, within 10 years  6%
• Yes, but only in select regions  6%
• No, not safe or economical  67%

Which major US presidential candidate would most benefit your hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) business?

• Barack Obama  32%
• Mitt Romney  60%
• Both equally  1%
• Neither  7%

Should the US government impose limits on LNG exports in order to maintain low domestic gas prices?

• Yes, energy security comes first  34%
• Somewhat, but not too restrictive  9%
• No, let global market decide  58%

Executives at companies such as Fluor say downstream project discussions have increased rapidly in the 2012 first quarter when compared with the 2011 fourth quarter. How much has business improved for you in early 2012?

• A lot  39%
• A little  35%
• None  26%

Will the upcoming bans on Iranian oil have a significant impact on global crude markets?

• Yes, Iran supply is needed to fill requirements  61%
• No, Iran oil can be replaced from other regions  39%

Will US Republicans be successful in their efforts to secure approval on the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline before the end of 2012?

• Yes, Republicans have the means to circumvent Obama's denial 43%
• No, Obama and Senate Democrats hold enough power to thwart the attempt 57%

The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) is planning to change its name in January 2012 to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), seeking a more direct tie with the broader American manufacturing industry. Which name do you prefer for the trade group?

• National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) 77%
• American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) 23%