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Americans Show Strong Concern For Environmental Protections
Concern for the environment, particularly hazardous waste disposal, continues to be a
top priority for most Americans.
In summarizing Americans’ demands regarding environmental policy and protection,
Frank Luntz, of Luntz Research, said "If I had to summarize in three words what
Americans are looking for in an environmental policy, it would be ‘safer, cleaner ,
and healthier.’"
 While crime, public education and the economy receive the majority of
attention from the media and political leaders, there is broad support for government
protection of the environment. In fact, according to a 1996 Belden & Russonello
survey, 54 percent of Americans think that environmental laws are tough enough but need
better enforcement, and 28 percent think current laws need to be tougher. When asked if
they supported the "hundreds of regulations" already in place, eight out of 10
Americans responded yes.
An October 1997 ABC/Washington Post of 1,515 adults asked if they thought protecting
the environment should be a major or minor role of government. 69 percent answered that it
[protecting the environment] should be a major role.
 Findings of a poll conducted by the Wirthlin Group in July, 1997 indicate
that public concern about the environment is rising -- three out of four adults say they
are more concerned about the environment than they were five years ago. Toxic and hazardous waste disposal was identified as the third
highest priority from a list of 22 environmental problems.
The Wirthlin poll also found that "people see environmental issues as increasingly
relevant to their personal health and well-being." Seven out of ten Americans believe
that it is possible to balance environmental protection and economic growth. However, 25
percent feel that America should sacrifice economic growth to protect the environment, the
highest response to this question since 1992.
In an August 1996 survey by Public Opinion Strategies, respondents were asked what are
their top environmental concerns in their state. The top two responses were safe drinking
water and safe disposal of toxic waste. Wanting your family to live in a healthy, pleasing
environment and leaving the earth in good shape for future generations are "extremely
important" reasons for protecting the environment, according to the Belden &
Russonello survey of 2,005 adults. 
The Belden & Russonello survey also showed that, when rating the seriousness of
environmental problems, Americans said toxic waste should be the highest priority. This
concern has increased, compared to two years ago. When asked specifically about wildlife
and habitat protection, the problem of "greatest concern" was the
"relationship between toxic chemicals in fish and birds, toxics in foods and water
consumed by humans, and the possibility of birth defects and lower sperm counts."
Results from a July 1996 Charlton Research Company survey of 800 adults found that
Americans were very concerned about water pollution (78%), toxic and hazardous waste (77%)
and air pollution (73%).
What environmental issues are YOU concerned about? Let us know at, comments@etc.org.
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