WASHINGTON — A nationwide survey commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) found that hunters and anglers widely support Clean Water Act (CWA) protections, according to a press release.
Eighty-three percent of respondents believed that CWA rules should be applied to smaller, headwater streams and wetlands, stated the release. Seventy-seven percent of Republications supported the notion, as well as 79 percent of Independents and 97 percent of Democrats. The survey was conducted via phone and Internet interviews from June 23-July 4.
"The results of this poll are unambiguous: America’s hunters and anglers care very deeply about water quality," said Al Quinlan, president of Democratic polling firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, in the release. "It is unusual to see such intense levels of public support for any issue."
Public Opinion Strategies (R) and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (D) conducted the survey of more than 1,000 registered voters who also hunt or fish, noted the release. Republican accounted for 38 percent of participants, while 28 percent were Democrats. Tea Party supporters represented 49 percent of respondents.
“As every hunter or angler knows, ducks need healthy wetlands and fish need clean water — it’s that simple," said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of NWF, in the release. "Everyone on Capitol Hill should take note: clean water has the bipartisan support of millions of sportsmen and women across our nation— and these men and women vote."
In the survey, 89 percent of participants indicated "the [CWA] has been ‘more of a good thing’ for the country, with majorities of every single demographic sub-group echoing this sentiment," reported the release. Seventy-five percent said applying CWA to smaller streams and wetlands would not be a burdensome regulation.
You can find the entire release here.
