Pew Research: Most Americans Support Stricter Environmental Laws

Despite recent efforts to roll back federal environmental protections, most Americans continue to support stronger regulation, according to a major Pew Research Center study of over 36,000 adults across all 50 states. Nationally, 60%say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost, while 38% believe they harm the economy and cost jobs.

This support divides sharply along party lines—82% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents are in favor, compared to just 36% of Republicans. However, in 29 states and Washington, D.C., a majority of residents back stronger laws, including 71% in both D.C. and Minnesota, 68% in Oregon, and 61% in swing states like Florida and Pennsylvania.

Even in fossil fuel-reliant states, the divide isn’t clear-cut. For example:

• In North Dakota, where extractive industries make up 16% of GDP, 48% still support stricter regulations.

• In Wyoming, that number is 39%.

• In New Jersey, where the industry is minimal, support climbs to 68%.

Beyond the question of stricter laws, Americans overwhelmingly believe the federal government is falling short:

• 63% say it does too little to protect water

• 58% say the same for air quality

• 56% want more action on climate change

• 55% want stronger protection for wildlife and habitats

While Americans are split on whether climate policies help or hurt the economy (34% say help, 34% say hurt, 30% say no impact), there is broad bipartisan support for targeted solutions like planting trees, sealing methane leaks, and providing tax credits for energy efficiency.

For the communities most vulnerable to climate harm—often low-income, rural, and majority-minority—these policies are more than political. They're urgent and lifesaving.