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Poll Clearly Shows Nevadans Want leaders to Prioritize Wildlife, Water Conservation

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Press Release


RENO, NV–The latest Conservation in the West poll released by Colorado College shows clearly that Nevadans want elected officials to focus on conserving wildlife, restoring public lands, tackling climate change, safeguarding clean air and water, and expanding opportunities for all people to gain access to nature.

“The polling clearly shows what Nevadans have known all along: drought and inadequate water supplies are a major concern for our state”,saidGrace Palermo, Board Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. “As we are experiencing the worst drought in 1200 years, Nevadans need our congressional leaders to take bold action to pass climate investments to ensure future generations do not pay for our inaction.”

The poll touched on several other issues of concern for residents of the Silver State, including reforming the outdated oil and gas leasing systems on our nation’s public lands.

“Nevadans support common-sense reforms to bring the federal oil and gas leasing system into the 21st century so that our public lands can be better managed for all users,”said Russell Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. “We hope our decision-makers listen to Nevadans and make investments that will create jobs while also safeguarding the lands and waters we depend upon and enjoy.”

The poll surveyed voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Here are some key findings from Nevadans who responded:

•77% support a national goal of conserving and restoring 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030

•78% support funding to expand access to nature for underserved communities

•84% support the creation of new parks and wildlife refuges for outdoor recreation

•91% support requiring oil and gas companies – not taxpayers– to pay for cleanup and land restoration after drilling is completed

•67% support increased fees for oil and gas companies to drill on public lands

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About Nevada Wildlife Federation: Nevada Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)3 and is the oldest statewide conservation organization dedicated to sustaining Nevada’s natural resources for wildlife through conservation, preservation, and education.