A recent statewide poll of 501 registered voters conducted in January 2000 by Ivan Moore and Associates reveals that Alaskans strongly believe it is possible to have both a clean environment and a healthy economy at the same time. The poll also shows that Alaska candidates for public office who support environmental protection have an advantage at the ballot box over those who do not support conservation goals.

ACA Program Director Paula Phillips said, "this poll clearly shows that Alaskans believe that we can promote a healthy environment and a strong economy at the same time, and that protecting wilderness and wildlife is important to them."

Here are highlights from the poll:
• Alaskans strongly support protecting their environment and ensuring clean air and water. In fact, concern for these issues ranks competitively with other key issues such as education, health care, crime and drugs, and taxes.
• Over 82 percent of Alaskans believe that "we can have a clean environment and a strong economy at the same time without having to choose one over the other."
• Of those who felt that, 49% chose the environment over the economy, while 36% chose the economy over the environment.
• Alaska voters are more likely to vote for candidates who support conservation issues over those who do not. Given a choice between two hypothetical candidates -- one candidate who believes we must protect the environment and supports strong environmental laws, and another candidate who believes there is too much regulation on business and favors relieving the burden of regulations on business -- the pro-environment candidate wins.
• Over 82 percent of Alaskans said protecting wilderness and wildlife is personally important to them - and only 11 percent strongly or mildly disagree.

The poll was co-sponsored by the Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA), the statewide umbrella group for Alaska conservation organizations, representing 40 groups and over 22,000 members statewide, and by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.38% at a 95% confidence level.

Click here to download the PDF version of the Alaska poll summary!