In the latest Conservation in the West Poll conducted by Colorado College, an overwhelming 72 percent of respondents across eight states expressed their support for prioritizing public lands conservation and outdoor recreation over oil and gas drilling. This sentiment is shared by voters in states like Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, who are increasingly concerned about the future of water, land, and wildlife in the region.
The survey, now in its 14th year, highlights the deep-rooted connection that Westerners feel towards the environment, with a majority recognizing the pressing issues of habitat loss, declining wildlife populations, water pollution, wildfires, air pollution, and other environmental challenges. According to a press release from Colorado College, these concerns are viewed as extremely serious by a significant portion of the population.
One of the most striking findings of the poll is the widespread acknowledgment of the impacts of the climate crisis, with 66 percent of respondents acknowledging significant changes over the past decade. This awareness transcends political boundaries, as 85 percent of voters, representing a diverse range of political affiliations, emphasize the importance of environmental issues in influencing their voting decisions.
Dr. Katrina Miller-Stevens, an associate professor at Colorado College and the director of the State of the Rockies Project, underscores the unity among Western voters when it comes to conservation efforts. “There may be a lot that divides voters across the country, but in the West, there is nearly universal consensus in favor of conservation,” she stated in the press release.
Emphasis on Conservation
When asked about their preferences for congressional action, 70 percent of respondents expressed a desire for increased protection of air quality, clean water, and wildlife habitats, while also promoting recreational opportunities on public lands. This stands in stark contrast to the 26 percent of voters who prioritize maximizing energy production through oil and gas exploration on public lands.
For the first time in the history of the poll, a majority of Independents and Republicans voiced their support for conservation over energy production, signaling a significant shift in priorities among Western voters. This sentiment was reinforced by Rachael Hamby, the policy director at the Center for Western Priorities, who highlighted the disconnect between political actions and public opinion.
Support for Environmental Policies
The Conservation in the West Poll also revealed overwhelming support for various conservation measures, including the preservation of wildlife migration routes, limitations on development to protect habitats, and the creation of highway crossings for animals. Additionally, voters expressed a strong preference for policies that promote clean energy production while preserving natural areas, with 75 percent agreeing that these goals are not mutually exclusive.
Moreover, Westerners value their connection to the outdoors, with 62 percent of respondents reporting frequent visits to national public lands. The poll also highlighted the importance of nature for mental health and well-being, with 93 percent of voters recognizing the therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors.
In conclusion, the 2025 Conservation in the West Poll reinforces the widespread support for public lands conservation, clean water, and wildlife protection among Western voters. As environmental concerns continue to take center stage in political discourse, it is clear that conservation efforts are a top priority for residents of the region.
