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Legislators invite presentation of poll showing Virginia voters are very concerned about the protection of clean air and clean water, and they rate this issue as a top concern, says a new poll released by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (LCVEF) today at a legislative retreat. A solid majority of Virginia voters feel that there is no need to choose between a clean environment and a strong economy. The Tarrance Group poll of 600 registered likely?) voters in Virginia indicates a commitment to environmental issues across the state. The poll was conducted from May 6 to 8, 2001 for the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "This poll shows that voters are deeply concerned about protecting clean air and clean water. And eighty-seven percent of voters consider these issues to be an important factor in making their voting decision," said Helen Tansey-Lang, Virginia State Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "Elected leaders should stand up and take notice that these issues matter to voters on a very fundamental level," she continued. Highlights of the poll include: o Voters in the state rated clean air and water as a top tier issue, on par with taxes and Medicare and Social Security. o When asked how important are issues involving the environment in making a voting decision, 87 percent of voters said the issue was important, 37 percent very important and 50 percent somewhat important. o When given a choice between two candidates-Candidate A who believes we must protect the environment, and supports strong laws and enforcement of those laws and Candidate B who believes there are too many government regulations and supports efforts to relieve the burden of regulation on business, Virginia voters chose Candidate A, 61 percent to 26 percent over Candidate B. o When asked what conservation or environmental concerns voters worried about the most, 30 percent said water quality is their greatest worry. Air quality followed with 16 percent. o Seventy-eight percent of voters in the state say there is no need to pick between the environment and the economy. But if a choice had to be made between a strong economy and a clean environment, 48 percent of voters would rather see a clean environment than a strong economy (39 percent). o Seventy-eight percent of Virginia voters want either tougher enforcement of existing environmental laws or feel stronger laws should be enacted. o Forty-nine percent of Virginia voters say that they are "extremely concerned" or "very concerned" about traffic congestion. Substitute something from Q25?? oA large majority (80 percent) of Virginia voters are willing to pay for conservation measures to protect Virginia's water supply from contamination, as compared to 14 percent, who would oppose paying. Methodology: The telephone survey of 600 registered voters throughout the state of Virginia was commissioned by LCVEF and conducted by The Tarrance Group, Inc. The survey was conducted May 6 to 8, 2001. A random sample of this type is likely to yield a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percent.
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| © 2000-1, League of Conservation Voters Education Fund |
