Data finds Nevada voters support the federal 30 by 30 conservation goal and the designation of the Avi Kwa Ame national monument in Nevada
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — Last week, data science group Data for Progress released findings that affirm Nevadans’ broad support for the conservation and protection of public lands. Conservation of our outdoor spaces remains a top priority among Nevada voters and as the critical 2022 election year approaches, the data signals to candidates that protecting our public lands and waters will be a key factor in voters’ decisions.
The survey, taken in September 2021, explored the attitudes of Nevada voters towards conservation and protecting public lands. The survey also assessed support for two ambitious conservation initiatives underway in Nevada: President Biden’s 30 by 30 initiative to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by the year 2030 and the designation of Avi Kwa Ame (Spirit Mountain) national monument.
Key findings from the survey:
- Nevada voters want to prioritize protecting nature for future generations
- Nevada voters are most concerned about losing access to critical resources
- Nevada voters support the 30 by 30 federal conservation initiative
- Nevada voters support President Biden designating Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument
- Nevada voters are more likely to vote for a Senate candidate who supports conservation efforts
All findings can be found on the Data for Progress website here.
“Protecting our public lands and natural resources means protecting our future — and Nevadans agree,” said Nevada Conservation League Executive Director Paul Selberg. “Survey after survey demonstrates that voters value and respect our public lands and support acting boldly and immediately to protect these spaces. This data makes our case even stronger as we continue our work to advance toward our goal of conserving 30 percent of Nevada’s lands and waters by 2030 and protect historic, cultural, and ecological sites such as the proposed Avi Kwa Ame national monument. More importantly, this data signals to candidates that our public lands cannot be ignored. We hope that these numbers provide lawmakers and candidates the opportunity to strengthen their support for conservation projects across our state and work with us to ensure future generations can benefit from our public spaces.”
During the upcoming election, Nevadans are bracing for contentious races in the U.S. Senate and Congressional District 3 — where the proposed Avi Kwa Ame national monument resides. These seats are currently held by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Representative Susie Lee who both hold a strong track record on conservation. In the 2022 election, public lands, conservation, and outdoor recreation will be major factors in these important races.
During his first days in office, President Biden signed a 30 by 30 executive order committing the U.S. to the 30 by 30 goal and most recently, outlined a plan to restore and conserve the country’s lands, waters, and wildlife with recommendations to reach the nationwide goal. Following national leadership, the 2021 Nevada state legislature passed AJR 3, a resolution committing to the 30 by 30 initiative, making history as the first state house adopting legislation of its kind. The resolution includes suggestions on state and federal areas to be considered for conservation measures, including the proposed Avi Kwa Ame national monument.