POLL: On eve of public hearing, fracking still unpopular in WNC

Press release from Progress NC Action:

A majority of voters in House Districts 116 (Rep. Tim Moffitt) and 118 (Rep. Michele Presnell) oppose fracking, and are less likely to vote for a candidate who supports it

RALEIGH — Fracking is still deeply unpopular in Western North Carolina, according to a Progress NC Action/Public Policy Polling survey of voters in House Districts 116 (Buncombe) and 118 (Haywood, Madison, Yancey). A majority of voters in both districts said they oppose hydraulic fracturing, and would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supports it.
The poll found that 66 percent of voters oppose fracking in House District 118, home of Rep. Michele Presnell, and 54% oppose fracking in District 116, home of Rep. Tim Moffitt. Both lawmakers voted to fast-track fracking earlier this year by lifting a moratorium on fracking before proper regulations are in place.
“Tim Moffitt and Michelle Presnell have been unapologetic supporters of fast-track fracking and of the oil and gas industry,” said Gerrick Brenner, Executive Director of Progress North Carolina Action. “This poll shows they are working in clear opposition to what a majority of their voters want for a strong economy, sustainable energy, and clean air and water.”
Other findings of the poll include:

•    59  percent of voters in District 116 and 64 percent in District 118 oppose legislation which fast-tracked fracking, made it a crime to disclose chemicals used in the fracking process, and outlawed local ordinances prohibiting fracking within city limits.

•    58  percent (HD-116) and 64  percent (HD-118) of voters would be less likely to support a candidate who voted to fast-track fracking in North Carolina.
•    45  percent (HD-116) and 47  percent (HD-118) of voters think North Carolina’s environmental and regulatory standards are too weak.
•    54  percent (HD-116) and 65  percent (HD-118) of voters are less likely to support fracking with the knowledge that it would create fewer than 400 jobs in North Carolina over seven years, according to an analysis by the state government.
•    54  percent (HD-116) and 62  percent (HD-118) of voters disapprove of the job Pat McCrory is doing as governor. 42  percent (HD-116) and 53  percent (HD-118) of voters disapprove of his handling of environmental issues.
•    58  percent (HD-116) and 65  percent (HD-118) of voters disapprove of the job Thom Tillis is doing as House Speaker. 44  percent (HD-116) and 58  percent (HD-118) of voters disapprove of his handling of environmental issues.