Westerners Support Conservation Efforts But Are Increasingly Frustrated with Lack of Action
Regardless of political party, Western voters in swing states like Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico told us in a recent poll that the outdoors are central to their way of life. They identify with the region’s outdoor spaces and deeply value access for hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping.
Overwhelming majorities say that national public lands, parks, and wildlife issues are not only important to them, but that these issues will play an influential role in how they choose to vote.
At the same time, voters are now expressing frustrations, believing politicians in D.C. are out-of-touch and not delivering on what they promised on the outdoor and public lands issues Western voters care so much about.
Download the Poll
Local Conservation Efforts Popular Across the West
Click a state for more information and toplines.
Nevada
77% of Nevadans support a proposal to designate Avi Kwa Ame (Spirit Mountain) as a national monument.
76% are favorable towards candidates who invest in the renewable energy sector.
60% believe that oil and gas development on public land should be only allowed with strict limitations and regulations.
Arizona
60% of Arizonans support permanently banning new uranium and other mining on public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon.
81% believe that states in the West need better options for clean energy to suit the West’s unique climate and landscapes
79% are favorable towards candidates who create new clean energy jobs
New Mexico
80% of New Mexicans support proposals to preserve Caja del Rio, which would help preserve culturally significant sites and an important wildlife corridor.
73% believe that leaders need to do more to support the clean energy industries in their state.
60% agree that oil and gas development on public land should be only allowed with strict limitations and regulations.
Colorado
86% of Coloradans support the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, which would protect over 400,000 acres of land in the state through new wilderness, recreation, and conservation areas.
82% believe that leaders need to do more to support the clean energy industries in their state.
82% support establishing the Dolores River Canyon Area as a national monument.
Latest News
Public land conservation lagging in Western states
What Western voters think about conservation
Water worries Westerners
New report shows public lands gave candidates a winning edge in the 2022 elections
Bipartisan Support for Conservation in the West
Click an icon for more information and toplines.
Republican
83% support increasing access for outdoor recreation
73% say public lands and outdoor issues will play an influential role in how they choose to vote.
48% support the President designating national monuments through executive authority.
59% approve of President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative.
Democrat
87% support the President designating national monuments through executive authority.
92% approve of President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative.
87% report that conservation issues will impact their vote.
87% believe that the current administration has not done enough to create and protect new public lands and national monuments.
Independent
81% say public lands and outdoor issues will play an influential role in how they choose to vote.
63% are concerned that the government will not do enough to protect America’s natural resources against overdevelopment and environmental disasters.
66% support the President designating national monuments through executive authority.
75% approve of President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative.