WESTERNERS WANT NEW ENERGY

Majority of Western Voters Believe Environmental Protections, Strong Economy Can Co-Exist; First-ever “Conservation in the West Survey” measures voters’ environmental attitudes in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming
February 23, 2011 (Colorado College State of the Rockies Project and pollster partners)

"A new bi-partisan poll of inter-mountain West voters shows that a strong majority (77 percent) believe that environmental standards and a strong economy can coexist.

"The findings, from the first-ever Conservation in the West Survey, reveal differences and many points of agreement among voters on issues such as conservation, regulations, renewable energy and other environmental issues."

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"The poll, conducted by Lori Weigel at Public Opinion Strategies (a Republican firm) and Dave Metz at Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (a Democratic firm), measured environmental attitudes of 2,200 voters in the five Western states January 23-27, 2011. The survey is being released by the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project, which, for the past eight years, has worked to increase public understanding of vital issues affecting the Rockies…"

[Walt Hecox, professor, Colorado College/director, State of the Rockies Project:] “…While there are differences of opinion on a range of issues, there are true common values shared between each state, including a commitment to protect the important natural resources that make this region so unique.”

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"According to the results, voters indicate more positive impressions of solar and wind power as energy sources than they do for coal or oil…"

[Walt Hecox, professor, Colorado College/director, State of the Rockies Project:] “Particularly interesting is the emergence of renewable energy sources – such as solar and wind power – as a much more attractive option over traditional fossil fuels…Voters see renewable energy as producing jobs, and they have ambitious goals for using more of these sources to supply their states’ overall energy needs.”