Voters Say Environment Important to Economy

Some politicians harp on the “jobs vs. environment” theme to a ridiculous degree, but recently a poll of voters said they believe the reverse is true. Residents in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming were polled by two public opinion firms – one Republican and the other Democratic. Called the 2012 Colorado College State of the Rockies Conservation in the West poll, it found that nearly unanimously, the voters surveyed said national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife areas are an “essential part” of their local economies.

“What we read in the press and what politicians say about an ever-sharpening trade-off between environment and jobs in a deep recession do not square with views of many western voters. Instead, those stubborn westerners continue to defy stereotypes, by arguing that a livable environment and well-managed public lands can be — in fact must be — compatible with a strong economy,” said Colorado College economist and State of the Rockies Project faculty director Walt Hecox, PhD. (Source: Colorado College)

Some of the major findings were:

Four of five of those polled view a strong economy and protecting land and water as compatible.

Two-thirds are for expanding clean renewable energy and reducing coal, oil and gas.

Seven out of ten support implementation of the Clean Air Act, and improving clean air standards.

Regulations designed to protect land, air, water and wildlife were seen as having a positive impact on public safety, natural beauty and quality of life by 70 percent or more.

The Western voters polled seem to understand a fundamental truth about the relationship between
effective stewardship of natural habitats and a healthy economy. Research has confirmed taking
care of biodiversity and protecting it is economically beneficial and better for public health. For example, a study of the Utility Toxics regulation found it could generate over $100 billion dollars in revenue and create over 100,000 jobs.

Besides the false “jobs vs. environment” rhetoric which has been used to justify destroying natural habitats and generating excessive harmful pollution, some people also say large predators are bad or dangerous because they contribute nothing and can be harmful to livestock. However, research has shown wolves, which are apex predators, are worth $35 million dollars a year to the Yellowstone regional economy.

It is very pleasing and encouraging to know these Western voters are not falling for the false rhetoric of some politicians who use the fear of losing jobs, to try and turn people against Nature itself.

Image Credit: Scott Catron- Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elsa O.

3:43PM PST on Feb 11, 2012

of course it is very important!

send a green star

Kimberly M.

10:34AM PST on Feb 10, 2012

“The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
― Chief Seattle

Carmen S.

8:12PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

thanks for this article, the environment is very important and i will support people who care

Kishore A.

4:08PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

cool article.

Protect environment is every ones duty

Emil P.

6:48AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Protect environment is every ones duty.

Zana Z.

6:51AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

I have never been in support of Jobs over Environment. That's short term gain for long term pain and loss. Its always an important consideration when I cast any ballot.

When we stop allowing corporate donations to political campaigns, we'll cut down on big business dictating to politicians their agendas.

paula e.

1:01AM PST on Feb 5, 2012

It is important to the voters. Let's see how important it is to our government and lobbyists.

Theresa T.

9:58AM PST on Feb 4, 2012

Nicole W.

6:30PM PST on Feb 3, 2012

I haven't fallen for the rhetoric