Findings from Gallup’s annual Environment poll conducted in March of 2013 indicate that almost half (47%) of individuals in the U.S. think that the government is falling short on environmental protection. This result has however been higher in past—it was at its peak (68%) in 1992 when Gallup began collecting data on the topic and is within one percentage point of the lowest finding on record. Public perception studies such as these are important for animal advocates to keep in mind as animal agriculture’s significant contribution to environmental degradation gains increasing awareness and opportunities for government regulations in response surface.

[Abstract excerpted from original source.]

“Americans tilt toward the view that the government is doing too little to protect the environment — at 47% — while 16% say it is doing too much. Another 35% say the government’s efforts on the environment are about right. These views have not changed much since 2010, although Americans in most years between 1992 and 2006 were more likely than they are today to say the government was doing too little to protect the environment. […]”

This same poll also looked at how the environment fares as a priority when pitted against the economy, which is presented here: More Americans Still Prioritize Economy Over Environment.