Poll shows bi-partisan support of environmental protection in communities across Oregon

July 9, 2010
Contact: Toby Van Fleet,
OLCV Ed Fund Communications Director,
503-224-4011 x212, toby@olcv.org

Poll shows bi-partisan support of environmental protection in communities across Oregon

Portland, OR—A recent Oregon poll finds that a majority of rural and suburban Oregonians across the political spectrum support balanced environmental policies that protect Oregon’s unique quality of life, create good-paying jobs, and make Oregon a healthier place to live and work.

“Across the board, Oregonians understand that protecting the environment builds a stronger economy, creates jobs and protects our kids,” said OLCV Education Fund Executive Director Jon Isaacs. “And that’s what they want.”

The poll was conducted in early June by Grove Insight for the Oregon Conservation Network, a coalition of more than 40 Oregon conservation groups, coordinated by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. In a survey of 600 voters in Clackamas, Deschutes, Jackson and Marion counties, the poll finds that the majority of Oregonians support responsible stewardship of Oregon’s natural legacy.

Key findings:

• Not surprisingly, the BP oil spill topped the list of environmental concerns people are most worried about  (76 percent). In addition, voters are also worried about the declining health of Oregon’s watersheds (62 percent), the spread of invasive species (60 percent), our continued reliance on fossil fuels (57 percent) and the declining health of Oregon’s oceans (57 percent), among other concerns.
• 82 percent of voters indicate that environmental issues play an important or very important role in their voting decisions.
• 60 percent of voters prefer a public official who supports laws that balance growth and jobs while enhancing environmental protections.
• 53 percent of voters agree that protecting the environment helps create jobs and improves the economy.

The polling sample was made up of 43 percent registered Republicans, 35 percent registered Democrats, and 22 percent registered Independents. To read the polling memo from Grove Insight, visit www.olcveducationfund.org/PollJune2010.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters Education Fund  is the sister organization of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and administers programs that help citizens learn how to make real changes in their community—like improving the quality of their water and air and protecting neighborhoods, farmland, and wildlife. www.olcveducationfund.org.

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