Because chances are pretty good you own a piece of an oil and natural gas company. Research shows nearly 50 percent of all corporate shares in these companies are held by public and private pension and retirement funds, including 401(k)s and IRAs. Individual investors own 20 percent, while financial institutions and asset management companies own 27 percent – totaling 97 percent. Less than 3 percent of the shares are owned by corporate officers and board members.

A 2010 election night voter poll showed that Americans oppose raising taxes on America’s oil and natural gas industry by a 2-to-1 margin— 60 percent to 30 percent. Most Americans (54 percent) believe such an increase could destroy jobs. But many also realize that higher energy taxes impact their retirement and investment portfolios.

A strong oil and natural gas industry is a vital part of retirement security for millions of Americans. State pension fund investments in oil and natural gas companies are providing strong returns for middle class Americans and outperforming other investments. Returns on oil and natural gas assets in the top two state funds in 27 states averaged 42 cents for each dollar invested, compared to just 6 cents for other assets in these funds from 2005 through 2009.

Moreover, oil and natural gas industry revenues, royalties and taxes—at both the national and state levels—meet local community needs by funding roads, schools, parks and other initiatives. Raising oil and natural gas industry taxes would decrease the amount of money going into state and local coffers.