WESTERNERS WANT NEW ENERGY

New Survey: Westerners Link Public Lands to Economic Prosperity, Quality of Life Strong majorities reject selling off public lands; want protections for sensitive lands subject to drilling and prioritize renewable energy production in their state.

February 7, 2013 (Colorado College State of the Rockies Project)

“Westerners place a strong value on public lands, saying they are “essential” to their state’s economy and quality of life, according to the 2013 Colorado College State of the Rockies Conservation in the West poll…

“This year’s bipartisan survey of 2,400 Westerners, representing a cross section of the region’s population, found near unanimous — 91 percent — agreement that public lands like national parks, forests, monuments and wildlife areas are an essential part of their state’s economy…79 percent believe public lands support their economy and enhance their overall quality of life…52 percent perceive public lands to be a job creator in their state…”

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“The survey also illuminates Westerners’ view of energy production. For the second year in a row, Westerners vastly prefer that renewable energy development be encouraged in their state rather than nuclear power or fossil fuels.

Drilling on public lands has flown under the radar of most Westerners. Only 34 percent of those interviewed knew with certainty that oil and gas drilling occurs on public lands. Those polled call for a balanced approach to any energy development occurring in these areas, with 56 percent saying that environmentally sensitive public lands should be permanently protected from this type of activity…”

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