A recent poll has revealed a significant concern among voters in eight Western states about climate change and environmental protections. According to the Colorado College Conservation in the West survey, 84% of respondents believe that reducing laws that protect land, water, and wildlife is a major issue. This is a notable rise from 68% just eight years ago.
More than half of the voters now see climate change as an urgent problem, a number that has doubled since 2011. While Wyoming stands out—with over half of its voters deeming climate change as not a pressing concern—three-quarters of respondents overall acknowledge it as at least somewhat serious.
Support for protecting public lands is robust, crossing party lines. The survey noted an impressive 76% of voters who said the federal government should prioritize environmental protection over energy production on these lands. It’s interesting to note that nearly 90% of voters, including many conservatives, expressed worry over possible funding cuts to national parks and forests.
Additionally, there is strong opposition to selling public lands for development, with majorities in the region preferring to keep these areas under public management. Over 80% of voters from states that rely on the Colorado River are in favor of agreements that would limit water usage to safeguard the river’s future.
In the age of growing awareness about climate issues, this survey indicates a marked shift in public sentiment. Experts suggest this increased concern may be tied to extreme weather events becoming more common, making climate change feel more immediate.
The survey, conducted in January, features responses from over 3,400 voters across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This data reflects not only the current attitudes but also a historical shift in public concern for environmental issues.
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