Earth Day is on the minds of many

People in the West and across the nation are willing to pay for conservation measures, according to results of a poll released by The Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Lands just in time for Earth Day — being celebrated today, April 22, in many places.

The poll shows Western voters of both parties are so concerned about protecting clean air and water that they would support additional taxes to pay for the preservation of quality-of-life issues.

And voters will strongly consider a candidate's stance on environmental protection in deciding whom to support in November's elections, according to the poll.

"These national results reflect what we're hearing throughout the state of Utah," said Dave Livermore, Utah state director for The Nature Conservancy. "The protection of our water quality, agricultural lands and Utah's special places is an issue that resonates with all of us."

Sixty-five percent of American voters surveyed said they were willing to support small increases in taxes to pay for programs to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and neighborhood parks.

The poll is good news for a local effort to put before voters the first statewide conservation initiative in Utah history.

Local conservation officials Wednesday urged Utahns to celebrate Earth Day by supporting the Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth initiative. The initiative proposes a $150 million conservation bond to fund projects that protect and improve Utah's sources of drinking water, family farms and ranches, critical wildlife habitat and community recreation areas.

"We are extremely excited about the incredible support we've received so far," said Amanda Smith, president of Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth.

The group has 100 volunteers working for the cause who have collected 3,236 signatures. "But the next few weeks are crucial to our success, and we really need more Utah residents to show their support," Smith said.

The group is trying to collect 26,764 signatures by May 30 to get the initiative on the November ballot.

"Protecting the quality of life we enjoy today and leaving that same quality of life for future generations are major issues of concern to people throughout the country and especially in the West," said Adam Eichberg of the Trust for Public Land, an organization supporting the initiative.

Volunteers can call Jamie Gibbs at 801-531-7304 or visit www.utahlands2004.org.

Results of the poll show voters are willing to support efforts like the initiative in Utah, said Will Rogers, president of the Trust for Public Land.

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