Clearing the air: public opinion and public policy on the environment

Abstract

The heavy use of public opinion polls to support opposing positions in the debate over Clean Air Act amendments is a new development. Supporters of environmental regulations cite polls showing that Americans want strict environmental protection, while opponents cite other polls which show the people are receptive to changing and updating regulations. The author's view of current surveys concludes that there is a broad support for environmental protection that is evenly distributed across population groups. This parallels the shft in emphasis from material well-being and security toward the quality of life as economic-security issues have given way to those of life-style differences. The American willingness to buy a clean environment, however, reflects more a continuation of the material than a post-material emphasis. Many surveys of public opinion are confusing because of the way questions and responses are worded and how they are interpreted. (DCK)