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published on April 9, 2018 - 1:45 PM
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A new survey conducted by the Institute for Leadership and Public Policy at Fresno State found that more than half of registered voters in the San Joaquin Valley (53 percent) said they would support more restrictions on residents and businesses to improve air quality in the region, with 40 percent indicating that they would not support more restrictions.

The findings of the report are based on a random sample of registered San Joaquin Valley Voters and was conducted from Feb. 5 through Feb. 15, and has a margin of error of about 3.9 percent.

The survey found that female registered voters are more concerned with air quality than male voters, with nearly 80 percent of female voters paying close attention to air quality, while 70 percent of males do.

The survey also revealed that 62 percent of registered voters in the Valley restrict their activities, or those of their children, when the air quality is poor. Another 35 percent of respondents said they do not restrict their activities or their children’s.

In the political spectrum, 80 percent of Independents, or those who do identify with a party, said they pay close attention to air quality, followed by 78 percent of Democrats, and 68 percent of Republicans.

Those with higher levels of education are also reported to pay more attention to air quality. Sixty-four percent of registered voters that are high school graduates or less indicated that they pay attention to air pollution, while 72 percent of respondents with some college say they pay close attention to air quality, and 81 percent of those with a BA or higher say they also pay close attention.

“The purpose of the survey is to give voice to residents of the San Joaquin Valley so that our elected officials can make informed policy decisions,” said Dr. Jeff Cummins, a professor of political science and the co-director of the Institute. “Air-quality issues have plagued our region for decades, so the survey illustrates how it remains a significant problem and points to some possible further solutions to address it.”

The complete report can be found on the Institute for Leadership and Public Policy website.


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