If you feel energy prices are higher today than they were a year ago, you’re not alone.
According to new polling from The LIBRE Institute, nearly 90% of Latinos say their utility bills have gone up over the last year, including electricity, gas, and other essentials.
That’s less money for Latino families to save, invest, and plan for the future.
Why is this happening?
The answer, unsurprisingly, boils down to outdated government regulations getting in the way and slowing down energy production.
[Read our full report on American energy here]
Latinos are all-in on unleashing American energy.
Our latest poll shows Latinos are overwhelmingly behind an energy policy that makes America more prosperous:
- 78% of Latinos believe America should produce more of its own oil and gas. That’s a strong signal that voters are ready for change.
- Democrats, Republicans, and independents overwhelmingly agree America needs to do much more to stay energy independent.
If we want a thriving, productive economy that’s ready to meet the new challenges of the next decades, we need to truly tap our immense energy potential.
But there’s more.
A good energy policy = Better jobs for Latinos
As you read this, millions of Latinos are building the future of American energy with their hands.
Almost 1 in 5 American workers in the energy industry are Latinos, and just this year, 1.5 million Latinos are expected to join America’s energy workforce.
These are good, stable, and well-paid jobs. And with energy demand projected to keep rising as AI revolutionizes the economy, these jobs will be the backbone of a vibrant and prosperous economy for years to come.
Getting these jobs to the community is critical. Here’s why:
- 6 in 10 Latinos think there are labor shortages in their community.
- 86% of Latinos believe more needs to be done to help our community get into the energy, transportation, and manufacturing industries.
However, the same barriers keeping new energy projects from getting built are preventing thousands of Latinos from getting these jobs.
This needs to change.
The path forward
Energy policy might sound like a wonky, abstract debate. But its effects hit very close to home.
A commonsense energy policy has the potential to save you money, make America safer, and create thousands of good-paying jobs for Latinos across America.
Congress has a role to play. By cutting red tape and supporting workforce development, lawmakers can help lower costs and open doors for Latino families.
The LIBRE Institute’s polling shows that our community is ready.
Latinos know what’s at stake, and they want solutions.
To see the full results and learn how energy reform can help Latino families and workers, click here.
