2023 Conservation in the West Poll Presentation by coloradocollege

KEY FINDINGS

THE 2023 SURVEY OF THE ATTITUDES OF VOTERS IN EIGHT WESTERN STATES

JANUARY 2023

CONDUCTED BY: LORI WEIGEL & KATHRYN HAHNE/ NEW BRIDGE STRATEGY

DAVE METZ / FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN, METZ & ASSOCIATES



Methodology

3,413telephone(cellandlandline)andonlineinterviewsviaemailinvitationwith registeredvotersineightstates:Arizona(N=504),Colorado(N=437),Idaho(N=402), Montana(N=406),Nevada(N=427),NewMexico(N=423),Utah(N=413),and Wyoming(N=401).



Twooversampleswereconductedinordertohavegreaterabilitytoreport distinctionsamongracial/ethnicsub‐groups.Weconductedadditionalinterviewsto reachatotalofN=200BlackvotersandatotalofN=204NativeAmericanvoters, whichwerethenweightedbacktoreflecttheirtrueproportionswithinthe electorate inthisregion.

 InterviewswereconductedJanuary5‐22,2023,inSpanishandEnglish.

 Theeffectivemarginoferroris+2.4%atthe95%confidenceintervalforthetotal sample;andatmost+4.9%foreachstate.

 Thetotalnumbershavebeenstatisticallyweightedtoreflectthetruegeographic distributionofvotersthroughouttheregion.Interviewswithineachstatewere distributedproportionallybyregion.

 Comparisonsaremadetosimilarlyconductedsurveyseachyearfrom2011to 2022.

 Bi‐partisanresearchteamofNewBridgeStrategy(R)andFairbank,Maslin,Maullin, Metz&Associates(D).

Over the past decade, the number of states included in this survey has increased.

In order to provide accurate comparisons over time, we compare data based on only the states interviewed in that year as follows:

2011 5 States: CO, MT, NM, UT & WY

2012‐2015 6 States: AZ, CO, MT, NM, UT

& WY 2016‐2017 7 States: AZ, CO, MT, NM, NV,

UT & WY 2018‐20238 States: AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT & WY

3 Idaho Montana Wyoming Colorado New Mexico Utah Arizona Nevada

Over the 13 years of surveying Western voters many things have changed: three Presidents, new Governors, economic woes and booms, and even a pandemic.

What has remained incredibly consistent is Westerners prioritizing conservation of the land, water, wildlife, and their ability to enjoy the outdoors.

Inflation generally, and the price of gasoline specifically, are newer stressors among Western voters.

The rising cost of livingThe price of gasoline

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).

78% 60% 97% 89%

There has also been a 28-point increase since 2016 in the share of Western voters saying too many people moving into their state is a serious problem.

Too many people moving into STATE

20162023

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).ToomanypeoplemovingintoSTATE(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

21% 45% 47% 75%

Total Serious Problem

Water

The current shortage of water supplies in the West is seen by most as a serious crisis or significant problem.

50% A serious crisis

39% A significant problem, but not a crisis

7% A minor problem

4% Not really a problem

WhichofthefollowingwouldyousaybestdescribesthecurrentshortageofwatersuppliesintheWest?

A majority of voters in four of the eight states characterize the current water situation in the West as a “serious crisis,” and overwhelming majorities see it as a problem.

WhichofthefollowingwouldyousaybestdescribesthecurrentshortageofwatersuppliesintheWest?

50% 53% 47% 33% 34% 64% 51%51% 38% 89% 91% 87% 81% 79% 94% 86% 95% 80% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming Serious Crisis Total Problem

Water supplies have been a consistent concern, but it is spiking now –over the last three years nearly nine in ten rate it a serious problem.

Inadequate water supplies

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Inadequatewatersupplies(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

40% 45% 51% 70% 61% 75% 79% 85% 89% 86% 20112020202120222023 Extremely/Very Serious Problem Total Serious Problem

Inadequate water supplies

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Inadequatewatersupplies(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

Inadequate water supplies is seen as a serious problem by most voters, with greater intensity in the Southwestern states.

65% 74% 61% 42% 37% 73% 64% 72% 41% 87% 90% 85% 75%75% 93% 87% 94% 79% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Likewise, the low level of water in rivers has registered more as a serious problem in the last two years.

Low level of water in rivers

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE). Lowlevelofwaterinrivers(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

60% 55% 61% 75% 69% 87% 81% 88% 94% 93% 20132020202120222023

Total Serious Problem

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Low level of water in rivers

Extremely/Very Serious Problem Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE). Lowlevelofwaterinrivers(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

Again, the levels of concern are particularly intense the farther South one moves in the region.

69% 75% 64% 45% 46% 81% 71% 78% 47% 92% 94% 92% 82%82% 93% 94% 98% 85% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Concerns about drought jumped up last year and remain high even with record rain and snow.

Drought

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Drought(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

52% 74% 69% 83% 95% 92% 201620222023

Over four-fifths of voters in Utah say that drought is an extremely or very serious problem in their state.

Drought

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Drought(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

67% 68% 65% 50% 56% 72% 70% 81% 48% 91% 92%92% 82% 85% 91%91% 95% 86% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Extremely/Very Serious Problem Total Serious Problem

In three of the four states that the Colorado River flows through, more voters today describe the river as “at risk” than ever before.

Very Well

Total Well

I’mgoingtoreadyoualistofwordsandphrases,andpleaseindicatewhetheryouthinkeachonedescribestheColoradoRiververywell, somewhatwell,notverywell,ornotwellatall. Atrisk(AskedN=893Respondents)

56% 46% 58% 36% 43% 44% 45% 47% 56% 36% 31% 38% 84% 73% 85% 77% 79% 77% 70% 75% 80% 73%73% 76%

201620182023201620182023

Colorado Nevada Utah Arizona

At risk

Strong majorities of voters in the Colorado River states say that the river is critical to their state’s economy.

I’mgoingtoreadyoualistofwordsandphrases,andpleaseindicatewhetheryouthinkeachonedescribestheColoradoRiververywell, somewhatwell,notverywell,ornotwellatall.CriticaltoSTATE’seconomy(AskedN=893Respondents)

72% 68% 65% 57% 62% 48% 58%58% 54% 48% 46% 48% 89% 88% 89%89% 91% 83% 78% 84% 85%85% 81% 83% 201620182023201620182023 201620182023201620182023

Colorado Nevada Utah Arizona

Very Well Total Well

Critical to STATE’s economy

There is a decline in voters who say that the Colorado River is an attraction for tourism and recreation, potentially due to lower water levels.

63% 71% 37% 60% 70% 42% 46% 65% 46% 57% 70% 44% 88% 92% 77% 90% 96% 84% 82% 85% 80% 92% 95% 86% 201620182023201620182023 201620182023201620182023

Total Well Colorado Nevada Utah Arizona An attraction for tourism and recreation

Very Well

Most voters also say that the Colorado River is “in need of urgent action,” with greater intensity in Arizona and Nevada.

In need of urgent action

Very Well

Total Well

I’mgoingtoreadyoualistofwordsandphrases,andpleaseindicatewhetheryouthinkeachonedescribestheColoradoRiververywell, somewhatwell,notverywell,ornotwellatall.Inneedofurgentaction(AskedN=888Respondents)

47% 53% 38% 57% 42% 81% 85% 77% 79% 78%

TotalArizonaColoradoNevadaUtah

Voters are most likely to say that industry and businesses use the most water in their state.

And,whichoneofthefollowingdoyouthinkusesthemostwaterinyourstate?

Industry and businesses Farmers and ranchers People using water in their homes

Voters in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are much more likely to say farmers and ranchers use the most water. In the other states, voters are more likely to say industry and businesses.

And,whichoneofthefollowingdoyouthinkusesthemostwaterinyourstate?

Uses Most Water TotalAZCOIDMTNVNMUTWY Industry and businesses 38%40%35%27%25%56%44%28%28% Farmers and ranchers 34%31%34% 51%50% 17%33%43% 52% People using water in their homes 25%26%29%20%21%25%20%25%15%

The younger you are the more likely you are to think industry and businesses use the most water; Baby Boomers and older accurately point to farmers and ranchers.

And,whichoneofthefollowingdoyouthinkusesthemostwaterinyourstate?

Uses Most Water TotalGen ZMillennialGen XBoomers+ Industry and businesses 38%50%44%39%29% Farmers and ranchers 34%30%32%31%41% People using water in their homes 25%20%21%27%27%

Investing in water infrastructure to reduce leaks and waste

Requiring local governments to determine whether there is enough water available before approving new residential development projects

Increasing the use of recycled water for homes and businesses

Providing financial incentives to homeowners and businesses to replace lawns and grassy areas with water-saving landscaping

Prohibit grass lawns at new development and homes

Providing financial incentives to farmers to temporarily take land out of production during severe water shortages

Foreachone,pleaseindicatewhetherthatissomethingyouwouldsupportoropposeinyourcommunityorstate.

21% 32% 47% 52% 62% 62% 54% 62% 80% 88% 87% 95% Strongly SupportTotal Support

A majority of Westerners support every single policy action we tested to help address water supply issues.

Idaho Invest in water infrastructure

61%

% Strongly Support

Montana Invest in water infrastructure

57%

Wyoming Invest in water infrastructure

Nevada Enough water before new development

69%

Utah Invest in water infra‐structure

63%

Arizona Invest in water infrastructure

65%

51% Colorado Enough water before new development

63% New Mexico Invest in water infrastructure

60%

Foreachone,pleaseindicatewhetherthatissomethingyouwouldsupportoropposeinyourcommunityorstate.

The most-supported action to address inadequate water supplies in most states is to invest in water infrastructure.

Conservation & Public Lands

To protect sources of drinking water

To ensure healthier forests

To conserve wildlife habitat and migration routes

To help threatened wildlife

To provide opportunities for children to explore and learn about nature

To conserve natural areas that connect lower income or communities of color which have historically lacked access to the outdoors

To provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation

To provide opportunities for people to see stars at night without light pollution

Foreachofthefollowingitems,pleaseindicateifyouthinkthatparticularreasonisveryimportant,somewhatimportant,nottooimportant,ornot importantatalltoyoupersonally.

31% 39% 42% 62% 63% 63% 69% 86% 69% 78% 74% 93% 91% 93% 96% 97% Very Important Total Imp

Protecting sources of drinking water is seen as the most important conservation goal in Western states.

With incredible consistency over the last five years, Western voters prefer that their Member of Congress protect natural resources on public lands rather than produce energy there.

Ensuring we protect sources of clean water, our air quality and wildlife habitat while providing opportunities to visit and recreate on our national public lands.

Ensuring we produce more domestic energy by maximizing the amount of national public lands available for responsible oil and gas drilling and mining.

WhichonewouldyoupreferyourMemberofCongressplacemoreemphasisoninupcomingdecisionsregardingnationalpubliclands?

65%67%69% 2019 2020 2021 24%25%27% 2022 67% 28% 2023 68% 26%

Protecting natural attributes is strongly preferred in every state, except Wyoming where voters are divided.

WhichonewouldyoupreferyourMemberofCongressplacemoreemphasisoninupcomingdecisionsregardingnationalpubliclands?

Montana 66% Idaho 67% Nevada 72% Utah 64% Wyoming 47% Colorado 71% New Mexico 70% Arizona 69% % Protect Natural Resources

Executive action to establish national monuments is embraced by more than seven-in-ten voters in every Western state.

Strongly Support

Total Support

DoyousupportoropposePresidentscontinuingtousetheirabilitytoprotectexistingpubliclandsasnationalmonuments?

52% 54%54% 51% 50% 55% 59% 37% 43% 84% 86% 87% 79% 82% 87%87% 73% 75% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Strongly Support

Total Support

DoyousupportoropposePresidentscontinuingtousetheirabilitytoprotectexistingpubliclandsasnationalmonuments?

Gen Z voters are near unanimous in supporting executive action to establish national monuments, although there is also solid support from voters of other generations as well.

52% 55% 52% 48% 55% 84% 94% 86% 82% 83% TotalGen ZMillennialGen XBoomers+

Across party lines, most voters support executive action to establish national monuments, including nearly three-quarters of conservative Republicans.

Strongly Support Total Support

DoyousupportoropposePresidentscontinuingtousetheirabilitytoprotectexistingpubliclandsasnationalmonuments?

52% 30% 51% 48% 72% 84% 73% 83% 82% 96% TotalConservative GOP Moderate/Liberal GOP INDDEM

30x30 Conservation Goals

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Achievinganationalgoalofconservingthirtypercent ofland andinland waters in America,andthirtypercentofitsoceanareasbytheyear2030.(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

2020languageread–“Settinganationalgoalofprotecting30percentofAmerica'slandsandoceanareasbytheyear2030”and2022languageread “SettinganationalgoalofconservingthirtypercentoflandandinlandwatersinAmerica,andthirtypercentofitsoceanareasbytheyear2030.”

49%49% 48%48% 73% 77% 77% 82% 11% 9% 10% 7% 20% 19% 20% 15% 2020202120222023

The 30x30 conservation goals are now registering the highest overall support in the last four years.

30x30 Conservation Goals

Strongly Support

Total Support

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Achievinganationalgoalofconservingthirty percentoflandandinlandwatersinAmerica,andthirtypercentofitsoceanareasbytheyear2030.(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Nearly three-fifths of Nevada voters strongly support the national 30% conservation goals.

48%48% 50% 39% 43% 58% 53% 41%41% 82% 86% 82% 75% 77% 87% 85% 75% 72% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

The 30x30 conservation goals have majority support across party lines, including over two-thirds of conservative GOP voters.

Strongly Support

Total Support

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Achievinganationalgoalofconservingthirty percentoflandandinlandwatersinAmerica,andthirtypercentofitsoceanareasbytheyear2030.(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

48% 22% 38% 52% 69% 82% 68% 77% 85% 94% TotalConservative GOP Moderate/Liberal GOP INDDEM

30x30 Conservation Goals

Support for greater conservation may be rooted in Westerners’ consistent concerns about the loss of natural areas, which fourin-five say is a serious problem.

Loss of natural areas

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE). Lossofnaturalareas(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

36% 44% 55% 49% 71% 77% 87% 82% 2011202020222023

Total Serious Problem

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Four-in-five Western voters say loss of natural areas is a problem in their state. Majorities in Colorado and Montana say say it is an extremely or very serious problem.

Loss of natural areas

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE). Lossofnaturalareas(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

49% 50% 55% 44% 55% 47% 45% 41% 44% 80% 79% 86% 78% 86% 79% 73% 80% 76% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Western voters have become slightly more likely to support Native American tribes having greater input into decisions about areas containing sacred/culturally important sites.

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.EnsuringthatNativeAmericantribeshave greaterinputintodecisionsmadeaboutareaswithinnationalpubliclandsthatcontainsitessacredtoorculturallyimportantto theirtribe.(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

60% 59% 83% 85% 7% 16% 13% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose 20212023 Greater Input from Native American Tribes

At least three-in-five voters from Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico strongly support greater input from Native American tribes about areas with sacred/culturally important sites.

Greater Input from Native American Tribes

Strongly Support

Total Support

59% 60% 65% 50%50% 60% 65% 49% 47% 85%85% 89% 80%80% 88% 87% 83% 80% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Greater Input from Native American Tribes

56% 64% 68% 83% 86% 88% 86% 92% 13% 10%10% 8% WhiteLatinoBlackNative American

Not surprisingly, Native American voters are the most likely to support greater input from tribes regarding areas that contain sacred/culturally important sites.

Over three-in-five Arizona voters continue to support legislation to make permanent the current ban on new uranium and other mining on existing public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Arizona –Grand Canyon

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Enactinglegislationthatwouldmake permanentthecurrentbanonnewuraniumandotherminingonexistingpubliclands,roughlyonemillionacres,surroundingthe GrandCanyon.(AskedN=504RespondentsinArizona)

42% 37% 61% 62% 21% 19% 36% 34% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose 20222023

Protecting existing public lands surrounding the Dolores River Canyon still has overwhelming support among Colorado voters.

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Protectingexistingpubliclandssurrounding theDoloresRiverCanyoninwesternColoradotoconserveimportantwildlifehabitat,andsafeguardthearea'sscenicbeautyand supportoutdoorrecreation.(AskedN=437RespondentsinColorado)

Colorado –Dolores River Canyon 60% 55% 89% 90% 8% 6% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose 20222023

Montana –Blackfoot Clearwater

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.EnactingtheBlackfootClearwaterStewardship ActinwesternMontana,whichwouldensurehuntingandfishingaccess;safeguardstreamsflowingintotheBlackfootRiver;add nearlyeightythousandacresofexistingpubliclandstotheBobMarshall,Scapegoat,andMissionMountainswildernessareas; andcreate twonewrecreation areas andsustaintimber harvestandhabitatrestoration.(AskedN=406RespondentsinMontana)

More Montana voters support the enactment of the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act than did last year.

48% 52% 79% 84% 8% 7% 18% 15% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose

20222023

Cajadel

New Mexico –Cajadel Rio

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Permanentlypreservingexistingnationalpublic landsintheCajadelRioplateau,whichwouldincreaseprotectionsforthegrasslandsandcanyonsalongtheSantaFeRiverand surroundingareas,andensureaccessforoutdoorrecreation.(AskedN=423RespondentsinNewMexico)

A majority of voters in New Mexico strongly support the permanent preservation of existing national public lands in the

Rio plateau.

51% 88% 9% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose

Nevada voters are now more likely to support designating existing public lands just east of the Mojave National preserve as the Spirit Mountain national monument.

Nevada –Mojave National Preserve

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Designatingexistingpubliclandsjusteastof theMojaveNationalPreserveinsouthernNevadaastheSpiritMountainnationalmonument,whichwouldensureoutdoor recreationandhelppreservesacredNativesiteswhilenotallowingenergydevelopmentorminingontheselands.(AskedN=427 RespondentsinNevada)

55% 52% 79% 83% 9% 18% 14% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose 20222023

Arizona: Enacting legislation that would make permanent the current ban on new uranium and other mining on existing public lands, roughly one million acres, surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Colorado: Protecting existing public lands surrounding the Dolores River Canyon in western Colorado to conserve important wildlife habitat, and safeguard the area's scenic beauty and support outdoor recreation.

Montana: Enacting the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act in western Montana, which would ensure hunting and fishing access, safeguard streams flowing into the Blackfoot River, add nearly eighty thousand acres of existing public lands to the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Mission Mountains wilderness areas, and create two new recreation areas and sustain timber harvest and habitat restoration.

New Mexico: Permanently preserving existing national public lands in the Cajadel Rio plateau, which would increase protections for the grasslands and canyons along the Santa Fe River and surrounding areas, and ensure access for outdoor recreation.

Nevada: Designating existing public lands just east of the Mojave National Preserve in southern Nevada as the Spirit Mountain national monument, which would ensure outdoor recreation and help preserve sacred Native sites while not allowing energy development or mining on these lands.

Strongly Support Total Support

37%62%

55%90%

52%84%

51%88%

52%83%

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.

At least three-in-five voters in each state offer support for specific conservation-related initiatives in their state.

Energy

By more than a two-to-one ratio, Western voters prioritize expanding clean energy over fossil fuels to meet our energy needs –unchanged in over a decade.

2023 2012

Reducing our need for more coal, oil and gas by expanding our use of clean, renewable energy that can be generated in the US

Drilling and digging for more coal, oil and gas wherever we can find it in the US

Next,whichofthefollowingdoyouthinkshouldbethehighestpriorityformeetingAmerica’senergyneeds:

Majorities in every state except Wyoming prioritize expanding clean energy over extractive energy sources.

Reducing our need

Drilling and digging

Next,whichofthefollowingdoyouthinkshouldbethehighestpriorityformeetingAmerica’senergyneeds:

65% 67% 69% 56% 58% 67% 70% 57% 40% 32% 29% 27% 39% 40% 30% 29% 37% 57% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Allowing Oil & Gas Companies Right to Drill in Areas of High Likelihood to Produce Oil & Gas

Strongly Support

Total Support

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Onlyallowingoilandgascompaniestheright todrillinareasofpubliclandwherethereishighlikelihoodtoactuallyproduceoilandgas.(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

Western voters are supportive of only allowing drilling on public land where there is high likelihood to produce oil and gas.

35% 32% 37% 36% 34% 38% 34%34%34% 72% 70% 71% 73% 72% 73% 74% 77% 65% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Over the past few years, requiring oil and gas companies to use updated equipment and technology to prevent methane gas leaks has remained very popular among Western voters.

Requiring Oil & Gas Companies to Reduce Methane Leaks

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Requiringoilandgascompaniestouseupdated equipmentandtechnologytopreventleaksofmethanegasandotherpollutionintotheair.(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

71% 72% 70% 69% 88% 91%91%91% 10% 9% 8%8% 2020202120222023

Requiring Oil & Gas Companies to Reduce Methane Leaks

Strongly Support

Total Support

Across all states, requiring oil and gas companies to use updated equipment and technology to prevent methane gas leaks is strongly supported.

69% 71% 69% 64% 70% 74% 72% 61% 62% 91% 92% 90% 87% 94% 91% 94% 89% 87% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Requiring oil and gas companies to pay for clean-up and land restoration costs after drilling is finished is still supported by a vast majority of Western voters.

Requiring Oil & Gas Companies to Pay for Clean‐up/Restoration

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Requiringoilandgascompanies,ratherthan federalandstategovernments,topayforalloftheclean-upandlandrestorationcostsafterdrillingisfinished.(AskedN=1,709 Respondents)

77% 74% 69% 93% 91%91% 6% 7% 8%

202120222023

Each Western state is very supportive of requiring oil and gas companies to pay for clean-up and land restoration costs after drilling is finished.

Requiring Oil & Gas Companies to Pay for Clean‐up/Restoration

Strongly Support

Total Support

69% 66% 72%72% 74% 71% 70% 61% 62% 91% 89% 92%92% 96% 91%91%91% 85% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Two-thirds of Western voters are still supportive of a gradual transition to 100% renewable energy over the next 10-15 years.

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Graduallytransitioningtoonehundredpercent ofourenergybeingproducedfromclean,renewablesourceslikesolarandwindoverthenexttentofifteenyears.(AskedN=1,709 Respondents)

47% 45% 41% 66%66% 67% 22% 23% 20% 33%33% 32% 202120222023

Transition to 100% renewable energy

Outside of Wyoming, most voters in each Western state support gradually transitioning to 100% renewable energy.

Transition to 100% renewable energy

Strongly Support

Total Support

41% 46% 39% 37% 32% 47% 48% 36% 22% 67% 74% 66% 57% 55% 71% 72% 64% 36% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Impact of Oil & Gas Drilling

Extremely Serious Very Serious Somewhat Serious

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Theimpactofoilandgasdrillingonourland,airandwater(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Showing2020-2022databyjust2011states:CO,MT,NM,UT&WY

56 16% 22% 30%

Serious Problem 2021

While there has been a slight decline in Western voters saying the impact of oil and gas drilling is a serious problem, almost two-thirds are still concerned.

Serious Problem 2011 Serious Problem 2020 Serious Problem 2022 Serious Problem 2023

Three-quarters of Colorado voters say the impact of oil and gas drilling on natural resources is a problem.

The impact of oil and gas drilling on our land, air and water

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

36%36% 44% 26% 42% 33% 37% 28% 30% 65% 60% 75% 55% 68% 65%65% 62% 56% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Wildlife

Loss of habitat for fish and wildlife

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE). Lossofhabitatforfishandwildlife(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Loss of habitat for fish and wildlife continues to be viewed as an extremely or very serious problem by a majority of Western voters.

38% 43% 55%55% 52% 76% 75% 84% 88% 82% 20112020202120222023 Extremely/Very Serious Problem Total Serious Problem

Nearly three-in-five Montana voters say the loss of fish and wildlife habitat is an extremely or very serious problem.

Loss of habitat for fish and wildlife

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE). Lossofhabitatforfishandwildlife(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

52% 55%55% 48% 57% 50% 51% 43% 48% 82% 83% 84% 82% 85% 80% 79%79% 77% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

61 Over the past few years, at least four-in-five

have said that population declines of fish and wildlife is a serious problem. Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Populationdeclinesoffishandwildlife(AskedN=1,709Respondents) 48% 51% 47% 80% 82% 83% 202120222023 Extremely/Very Serious Problem Total Serious Problem Population declines of fish and wildlife

Western voters

Fish and wildlife population declines are seen as a serious problem by more than three-in-four voters in every state.

Population declines of fish and wildlife

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Populationdeclinesoffishandwildlife(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

47%47% 50% 45% 42% 45% 50% 43% 45% 83% 85% 83% 82% 80% 79% 83%83% 78% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Over nine-in-ten Western voters say conserving wildlife habitat and migration routes is an important conservation effort.

To conserve wildlife habitat and migration routes

Very Important

Total Important

Foreachofthefollowingitems,pleaseindicateifyouthinkthatparticularreasonisveryimportant,somewhatimportant,nottooimportant,ornot importantatalltoyoupersonally.Toconservewildlifehabitatandmigrationroutes(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

63% 66% 62% 59% 65% 62% 61% 60% 66% 93%93%93% 94% 93% 92%92% 91% 94% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

To help threatened wildlife

Very Important

Total Important

Nearly all voters in Arizona and Utah say that it is important to help threatened wildlife.

63% 67% 63% 58% 50% 71% 64% 54% 47% 91% 95% 89% 91% 85% 88% 90% 95% 84% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Constructing wildlife crossings across highways has majority support, including over two-thirds in Wyoming who strongly support this.

Constructing Wildlife Crossing Structures Across Major Highways Intersecting with Migration Routes

Strongly Support

Total Support

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Constructingwildlifecrossingstructuresacross majorhighwaysthatintersectwithknownmigrationroutes.(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

53% 50% 56% 53% 58% 53% 57% 49% 68% 85% 79% 89% 83% 86%86% 85% 89% 93% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Voters in Montana and Wyoming are the most likely of the Western states to be hunters and anglers.

Doyouconsideryourselfahunter,ananglerorboth?

53% 53% Montana Overall for West 37% Total Hunter/Angler 27% Hunter 33% Angler 34% 47% Idaho Nevada 25% 31% Utah 21% 29% Wyoming 22% 32% Colorado 29% 32% New Mexico 25% 30% Arizona 49% 57%

Outdoor Recreation

Most Western voters consider themselves conservationists. Montana and Wyoming are the most likely to feel this way, with nearly three-quarters labeling themselves accordingly.

Doyouconsideryourselftobeaconservationist?

65% 63% 66% 64% 73% 63%63%63% 74% 33%33%33% 34% 25% 35%35% 33% 24% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming Yes No

Sportspeople are more likely to consider themselves conservationists than are people who do not hunt or fish.

Doyouconsideryourselftobeaconservationist?

72% 71% 73% 61% 25% 26% 24% 37%

Yes No

Total HuntTotal FishBoth Hunt/FishNeither Hunt/Fish

Providing outdoor recreation opportunities is seen as important by over three-in-four Western voters. Majorities in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming say this is very important.

To provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation

Very Important

Total Important

Foreachofthefollowingitems,pleaseindicateifyouthinkthatparticularreasonisveryimportant,somewhatimportant,nottooimportant,ornot importantatalltoyoupersonally.Toprovideopportunitiesforhunting,fishingandoutdoorrecreation(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

39% 33% 36% 52% 66% 43%43% 35% 60% 78% 71% 77% 90% 91% 75% 77% 80% 92% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Sportspeople, especially those who hunt, are much more likely to say it’s important to provide outdoor recreation opportunities than are those who do not hunt or fish.

To provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation

TotalTotal HuntTotal FishBoth Hunt/FishNeither Hunt/Fish

Very Important

Total Important

Foreachofthefollowingitems,pleaseindicateifyouthinkthatparticularreasonisveryimportant,somewhatimportant,nottooimportant,ornot importantatalltoyoupersonally.Toprovideopportunitiesforhunting,fishingandoutdoorrecreation(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

39% 74% 64% 75% 25% 78% 97% 92% 96% 69%

A majority say conserving natural areas that connect lowerincome or communities of color is important. Colorado and Nevada voters are particularly likely to see the importance.

To conserve natural areas that connect lower income or communities of color which have historically lacked access to the outdoors

Very Important

Total Important

Foreachofthefollowingitems,pleaseindicateifyouthinkthatparticularreasonisveryimportant,somewhatimportant,nottooimportant,ornot importantatalltoyoupersonally. Toconservenaturalareasthatconnectlowerincomeorcommunitiesofcolorwhichhave historicallylackedaccesstotheoutdoors(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

42% 44% 46% 33% 47% 41% 42% 34% 37% 74% 72% 82% 65% 70% 79% 74% 69% 63% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

To conserve natural areas that connect lower income or communities of color which have historically lacked access to the outdoors

Very Important

Total Important

Foreachofthefollowingitems,pleaseindicateifyouthinkthatparticularreasonisveryimportant,somewhatimportant,nottooimportant,ornot importantatalltoyoupersonally. Toconservenaturalareasthatconnectlowerincomeorcommunitiesofcolorwhichhave historicallylackedaccesstotheoutdoors(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Around seven-in-ten Black and Native American voters say that it’s important to conserve natural areas that connect lowerincome or communities or color.

42% 38% 50% 70% 67% 74% 73% 79% 84% 83% TotalWhiteLatinoBlackNative American

Directing funding to ensure adequate access to parks and natural areas for lower‐income people and communities of color that have disproportionately lacked them.

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Directingfundingtoensureadequateaccessto parksandnaturalareasforlower-incomepeopleandcommunitiesofcolorthathavedisproportionatelylackedthem.(Asked N=1,709Respondents)

Western voters are slightly more supportive of directing funding to ensure adequate access to parks/natural areas for lowerincome people and communities of color than two years ago.

46% 41% 73% 76% 14% 11% 25% 22% Strongly Support Total Support Strongly Oppose Total Oppose 20212023

Directing funding to ensure adequate access to parks and natural areas for lower‐income people and communities of color that have disproportionately lacked them.

Strongly Support

Total Support

Western voters are very supportive of directing funding to ensure access to parks/natural areas for people who have lacked them, especially voters in Nevada and New Mexico.

41% 42%42% 33% 38% 48% 49% 36% 30% 76% 78% 75% 65% 75% 80% 82% 74% 56% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

A majority of voters continues to strongly support creating new protected areas, such as national parks, to protect historic sites and areas for outdoor recreation.

Creating new national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges and tribal protected areas to protect historic sites or areas for outdoor recreation.

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouwouldsupportoropposeasimilarproposalinyourstate.Creatingnewnationalparks,national monuments,nationalwildliferefugesandtribalprotectedareastoprotecthistoricsitesorareasforoutdoorrecreation.(Asked N=1,704Respondents)

55% 50% 51% 84% 80% 84% 15% 18% 15% 202120222023

Most voters in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico strongly support creating new protected national areas.

Creating new national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges and tribal protected areas to protect historic sites or areas for outdoor recreation.

Strongly Support

Total Support

51% 55% 51% 45% 46% 53% 57% 38% 40% 84% 85% 87% 78%78% 85% 88% 78% 79% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Nearly two-thirds of Western voters say crowding at outdoor recreation sites is a problem, especially in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah.

Crowding and more people at outdoor recreation sites like trails and parks

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Crowdingandmorepeopleatoutdoorrecreationsitesliketrailsandparks(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

28% 21% 44% 33% 34% 19% 12% 33% 29% 65% 60% 77% 72%72% 52% 42% 77% 61% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Climate Change & Fire

Climate Change

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Climatechange(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Showing2021and2022databyjust2011states:CO,MT,NM,UT& WY

28% 21% 25% Extremely Serious Very Serious Somewhat Serious Serious Problem 2021 Serious Problem 2011 Serious Problem 2020 Serious Problem 2022 Serious Problem 2023

Climate change continues to be seen as a serious problem by most Western voters.

Climate change

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Climatechange(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Colorado voters are the most likely to say that climate change is a serious problem.

49% 50% 54% 42% 49% 54% 51% 39% 36% 73% 72% 80% 65% 70% 73% 70% 71% 57% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Climate change

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Climatechange(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Most Gen Z and Millennial voters say that climate change is an extremely or very serious problem.

49% 64% 53% 43% 47% 73% 86% 74% 68% 72% TotalGen ZMillennialGen XBoomers+

Total Serious Problem

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Uncontrollable Wildfires

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Uncontrollablewildfiresthatthreatenhomesandproperty(AskedN=1,704Respondents)

Showing2020-2022databyjust2016states:AZ,CO,MT,NM,NV,UT & WY

A majority of Western voters say that uncontrollable wildfires that threaten homes and property is a serious problem, albeit down slightly from previous years with more notable fires.

25% 28% 31% Extremely Serious Very Serious Somewhat Serious Serious Problem 2021 Serious Problem 2016 Serious Problem 2020 Serious Problem 2022 Serious Problem 2023

More than three-in-five voters in Colorado, Montana and New Mexico view wildfires that threaten homes and property as an extremely or very serious problem.

Uncontrollable wildfires that threaten homes and property

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

53%53% 66% 49% 62% 34% 62% 47% 35% 84% 81% 93% 88% 94% 71% 90% 84% 77% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Smoke from wildfires during fire season is still seen as a serious problem by a vast majority of Western voters.

Smoke from wildfires during fire season

20222023

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Smokefromwildfiresduringfireseason(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

50% 47% 84% 83%

Wildfire smoke during fire season is seen as a problem by most Western voters. Nine-in-ten Montana voters agree with this, though it is seen as less of a problem in Nevada.

Smoke from wildfires during fire season

Extremely/Very Serious Problem

Total Serious Problem

Foreachone,pleasetellmeifyouthinkitisanextremelyseriousproblem,averyseriousproblem,asomewhatseriousproblem,ornotaproblem in(STATE).Smokefromwildfiresduringfireseason(AskedN=1,709Respondents)

47% 43% 55% 52% 56% 32% 55% 46% 35% 83% 80% 88% 86% 90% 69% 87% 89% 79% TotalArizonaColoradoIdahoMontanaNevadaNew Mexico UtahWyoming

Katrina Miller-Stevens Kmillerstevens@coloradocollege.edu www.stateoftherockies.com Lori Weigel Lori@newbridgestrategy.com @Loriconserv Dave Metz Dave@FM3Research.com @davehmetz