BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — Many places in the world rely on non-renewable resources such as coal and oil to power day-to-day life, but the constant development of alternative sources has led some to pursue alternative solutions. Luckily for workers in North Dakota, a recent survey suggests that the Peace Garden State is just as supportive of our fuel industry as ever. According to a press release from the Lignite Energy Council, the poll — which was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies — surveyed 500 residents of North Dakota regarding how confident they were in recent federal energy policies, the continued use of coal, and their opinions on using carbon capture technologies to help support it in the Peace Garden State. The results, the Council states, show tremendous support for the processes that already exist in our industrial sector. Throughout the survey, 71% of the sample population expressed an interest in continued coal mining in North Dakota, with a monumental 79% noting that it plays a major part in electricity production. This same interest is also seen in similar resources, and 67% of voters continue to say they would rather prioritize using resources like coal, oil, and gas than begin investing in most renewable options. Disaster support secured for ND farmers and ranchers The use of carbon capture technology is also a particularly notable idea that stands out to many residents of North Dakota. 81% of all survey respondents were widely in favor of in-state carbon emission, capture, and storage projects, with 67% declaring them to be safe. Another 59% were also in favor of using pipelines to transport carbon dioxide throughout ND, and believe that the process is a good way to lower emissions without eliminating extremely important fossil fuels. The study continued on to discuss federal energy regulations, and whether or not North Dakotans believe they are influenced by political agendas — which 63% of respondents stated seemed to be the case, against 34% who say they are backed by scientific data first and foremost. On top of this, a majority of state respondents (58%) support the idea of North Dakota challenging any federal regulations that may increase energy costs. Finally, when asked about the future of North Dakota's economy, 65% of the survey's respondents had a positive outlook on the state's latest energy policies. Despite this, there are a fair number of concerns that were also noted — the largest of which were inflation and raised property taxes. These worries, the release states, help highlight the importance of affordable energy in ND's communities, which typically comes in the form of the state's preferred energy source. “We’re seeing broad-based support of coal, which highlights the industry’s enduring value as an economic and energy cornerstone, sustaining communities and providing good-paying jobs,” says Kay LaCoe, the Lignite Energy Council Vice President of Marketing & Communications, in the release. “Affordable and reliable energy from coal unites voters across political lines.” For more information about the Lignite Energy Council, visit the group's website here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW