Western Support for Climate Action and Conservation Evident in New Poll

A poll by Colorado College shows that 72% of Westerners favor public land conservation over oil and gas drilling, marking a 2% rise from last year. This support transcends political ideologies, reflecting a strong consensus for protecting natural resources. As the Trump administration advances industry interests, Westerners express concerns about the future of public lands and climate action, with nearly 90% supporting key environmental policies.

A recent poll by Colorado College has revealed significant support for climate action and public land conservation among Westerners. The survey indicated that 72% of respondents from eight Western states prefer prioritizing the protection of clean air, water, and wildlife over expanding oil and gas drilling. This marks a 2% increase from the previous year, showing a growing consensus around conservation, which has reached a 48-point lead, the highest in fifteen years.

Katrina Miller-Stevens, an associate professor at Colorado College, noted that the strong support for public land conservation spans across all political ideologies. She emphasized that there is no public mandate for increased oil and gas development and that voters are unified in their desire to protect public lands. The poll surveyed 3,316 participants with a significant portion identifying as conservative or independent.

Amid escalating oil and gas production, the political climate surrounding public lands has become contentious. The Trump administration’s recent actions, including a mass firing of employees from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, have sparked concerns about prioritizing industry interests over conservation. Key positions within federal agencies have been filled by individuals closely tied to the oil and gas sector, raising alarms among conservationists.

Rachael Hamby, policy director at the Center for Western Priorities, expressed that many of the Trump administration’s initiatives are misaligned with the preferences of Western constituents. Furthermore, the poll indicated that a resounding 87% of Westerners support decisions regarding public lands being made by career officials rather than political appointees from other industries.

A substantial 74% of respondents expressed endorsement for federal initiatives aimed at combatting climate change, with varying levels of support across the states surveyed. The desire to maintain national monument designations is also widespread, with nearly 90% of participants supporting the status quo. Numerous other environmental conservation measures also received strong backing, indicating a clear demand for protective policies.

As a new administration gears up to redefine public land policies, experts warn that ignoring Westerners’ preferences could bring political repercussions. Elected officials must remain attuned to the voices of their constituents, as any substantial deviation from these views could have electoral consequences in future elections.

The recent “Conservation in the West Poll” underscores the overwhelming support for climate action and public land conservation among Westerners. With 72% of respondents advocating for environmental protection over oil and gas drilling, it is evident that there is a growing consensus in favor of preserving public lands. The findings indicate a potential mismatch between current federal policies and the desires of local populations, suggesting that elected officials should heed these sentiments to maintain their electoral support.

Original Source: www.hcn.org