Most Californians support tougher pollution standards for new vehicles
 


SAN FRANCISCO
July 28, 2010 9:01pm

For Californians, the most important environmental issue facing the state is air pollution, according to a new statewide survey by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

Air pollution is most often mentioned, as it has been since 2000. But it has declined in importance to residents from 33 percent in 2000 to 23 percent today, says PPIC.

Other frequently named issues this year are water supply (12 percent), energy and oil drilling (11 percent), and water pollution (6 percent).
 


Similar to last year (23 percent), one in four Californians consider air pollution in their region a big problem (25 percent). Majorities of residents in Los Angeles (63 percent), the Inland Empire (57 percent), and the Central Valley (54 percent) consider air pollution a very serious or somewhat serious health threat.

The PPIC survey found that 43 percent of Californians say they or an immediate family member has asthma or other respiratory problems.
 


When it comes to air quality policies, a strong majority (70 percent) would be willing to see tougher air pollution standards on new passenger vehicles. But there is much less agreement across party lines: 86 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of independents are willing to see stricter standards, compared to 45 percent of Republicans.
 


The California Air Resources Board is poised to consider easing or delaying implementation of diesel pollution rules because of their economic impact on truck owners and businesses. Asked about tougher air pollution standards on diesel engine vehicles, an overwhelming majority (75 percent) of Californians is willing to see stricter standards, a view held by solid majorities across political, regional, and demographic groups.

Similarly, 75 percent would be willing to see tougher air pollution standards on commercial and industrial activities. A smaller majority (58 percent) would be willing to see tougher standards on agriculture and farm activities.


Methodology

The PPIC survey was done with funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Findings are based on a telephone survey of 2,502 California adult residents reached by landline and cell phones throughout the state. Interviews took place from July 6–20, and were conducted in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Vietnamese, and Korean. The sampling error is ±2 percent for all adults, ±2.2 percent for the 1,971 registered voters, and ±2.7 percent for the 1,321 likely voters.