NWF, Sportsmen, Civic Leaders Hail Renewable Energy Poll Results
OutdoorHub 09.11.14
A new poll reinforces what hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts have been saying for a while: that there’s strong support for “smart-from-the-start” energy production on public lands that conserves our fish, wildlife, outdoor recreation and great Western landscapes.
The poll conducted in 11 Western states by Peak Campaigns and released Wednesday found that voters overwhelmingly endorse responsible renewable energy development that doesn’t harm wildlife and avoids important landscapes. Nearly 80 percent of those surveyed support provisions of the bipartisan Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act that would direct a portion of the royalties and lease fees to land and wildlife conservation and local governments.
Now is the time to move forward with the legislation, H.R. 596 and S. 279, sportsmen’s and wildlife advocates said.
“This poll confirms what we’ve known all along: voters in Nevada and across the West support responsible development of renewable energy in a way that pays back the land, wildlife, and western communities for any impacts from wind and solar projects,” said Kevin Cabble, Nevada Wildlife Federation vice president.
“The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act would accomplish goals overwhelmingly supported by the American people. The Act would promote renewable energy and dedicate funding for conservation of fish and wildlife. The bill is an opportunity for Congress to do its job and pass a bipartisan piece of legislation that has broad public support and would do good things for the country, fish and wildlife,” said Kate Zimmerman, public lands policy director for the National Wildlife Federation.
“I hope these poll results will prod Congress to do the right thing and move public lands management and energy production into the 21st Century. The provisions that would provide some of the royalty revenue to conservation and local communities will help local elected officials like me make sure that the hunting, fishing and recreation we all enjoy on public lands will continue and keep contributing to our economy,” said Keith Baker, Buena Vista, Colo., town trustee.
Contact:
Judith Kohler, kohlerj@nwf.org, 720-315-0855 (mobile)
