A new poll published the by Lignite Energy Council and the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future confirms North Dakotans strongly support the coal industry. Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, the poll surveyed 400 likely voters.

North Dakota voters remain strongly supportive of the use of coal to produce electricity in the state and are also quick to recognize the coal industry is a key component of the state’s economy. These sentiments reach across partisan, regional and ideological divides. In total, 77 percent of voters in the state favor coal as an energy source. There is also clear support for prioritizing the development of domestic energy sources such as coal, oil and gas.

“The poll confirms what those in the industry have known for a long time — the public supports further investment in research and development to upgrade existing plants, as well as building new near-zero emissions coal-fired power plants,” said Lignite Energy Council President Jason Bohrer.