Thanks to technologies like fracking and horizontal drilling, America has greatly enhanced its energy security in recent years. In 2014, the United States became the world’s largest combined producer of oil and natural gas. Texas, which produces more oil and natural gas than any other state, has been setting production records of its own.

According to the UT Energy Poll, the impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment ranked dead last among Americans’ concerns, far behind the cost of electricity and the price at the gasoline pump. By a 14 point margin, Americans also say that fracking is necessary to meet our current energy demands.

Americans who strongly support fracking outnumber those who are strongly opposed. Overall, 47% of Americans support fracking, while only 37 percent oppose it. This represents a six point increase in support since the UT Energy Poll from last fall.

The poll also shows that Americans continue to associate oil and natural gas production with jobs. Among the benefits associated with natural gas production, job creation was the top response, followed by lower energy costs, energy security, and boosting manufacturing.

Among all energy sources – oil, renewables, natural gas, coal, and nuclear – oil was cited as the resource that contributes most to U.S. jobs.