1. survey of 500 likely voters in Colorado conducted
Key findings from a
survey of 500 likely voters in Colorado conducted
August 21-22, 2012
Lori Weigel,
Partner
Chris Keating,
President

2. Methodology
Public Opinion Strategies and Keating Research, Inc. conducted a survey of 500 likely voters in Colorado. Interviews were distributed proportionally throughout the state and the sample is demographically representative of the Colorado active voter profile.
The overall margin of error associated with this sample is + 4.4% at the 95% confidence internal.
Interviews were conducted August 21-22, 2012.

3. Regulation of
Chemicals

4. Chemical Exposure as a Threat to People’s Health
More than three-in-five say that chemical exposure in everyday life is a threat to public health.
Chemical Exposure as a Threat to People’s Health
+33%
22%
Very Serious
Generally speaking, how serious do you think the threat posed to people's health by the exposure to toxic chemicals in day-to-day life is ...very serious, somewhat serious, not too serious, or not serious at all?

5. Two-thirds of Colorado voters support stricter regulation of chemicals in everyday products.
Total Support
66%
Total Oppose
22%
Do you support or oppose stricter regulation of chemicals produced and used in everyday products?

6. Stricter Regulation of Chemicals By Region
Support for stricter regulation is even strong in the generally conservative Colorado Springs area of the state.
Stricter Regulation of Chemicals By Region
+52%
+28%
+43%
+47%
+51%
42%
Strongly
43%
Strongly
36%
Strongly
35%
Strongly
33%
Strongly

7. A majority across the political spectrum support “stricter regulation,” with two-thirds of unaffiliated voters supportive.
By Party
+18%
+47%
+64%
47%
Strongly
42%
Strongly
25%
Strongly

8. Women demonstrate more intensity of support – more than two-in-five strongly support stricter regulation.
By Gender
+37%
+48%
42%
Strongly
33%
Strongly

9. Stricter regulation generates equally strong support among both Latinos and Anglos in the state.
By Ethnicity
+44%
+44%
40%
Strongly
36%
Strongly

10. Toxic Substances
Control Act

11. What We Did:
We provided respondents with a brief, neutral explanation of this federal legislation.
“One proposal that may be considered in Congress is to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act that was passed in The proposal strengthens the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA’s authority to regulate chemicals. Under this proposal, all chemical manufacturers would be required to provide the EPA with safety information on their chemicals. The EPA would then be able to limit or ban some or all uses of a chemical that may harm public health or the environment.”

12. Seven-in-ten Colorado voters support this reform to TSCA.
Total Support
71%
Total Oppose
22%

13. Again, support is strong in every region of the state.
Support for Act By Region
+66%
+33%
+55%
+55%
+37%
48%
Strongly
47%
Strongly
42%
Strongly
43%
Strongly
37%
Strongly

14. There is very strong support among the critical sub-group of Independents, and even GOP voters lean toward support.
By Party
+8%
+57%
+82%
66%
Strongly
41%
Strongly
25%
Strongly

15. Women demonstrate a level of intensity far exceeding that among their male counterparts.
By Gender
+39%
+57%
51%
Strongly
35%
Strongly

16. Support is also incredibly intense among Latino voters.
By Ethnicity
+47%
+60%
52%
Strongly
42%
Strongly

17. What We Did: Supporters Opponents
We provided respondents with two statements – one supportive and one opposing the legislation. These statements were rotated to prevent bias due to order.
Supporters
Opponents
People who say that Congress SHOULD pass this plan to reform the regulation of chemicals say that existing regulations are inadequate and outdated. The law has not been updated since the 1970’s. Only a fraction of the tens of thousands of chemicals being used have been tested. Companies should prove that their products are safe and do not cause diseases or health problems, such as cancer, Parkinson's or children's learning disabilities.
People who say that Congress SHOULD NOT pass this plan to reform the regulation of chemicals say that updating the law is important, but the current proposal is too extreme. This proposal would increase the costs of products people buy, and puts jobs at risk. Chemicals are vital to ninety-six percent of U.S. manufacturing. We do not want to do anything that will hurt jobs, stifle innovation, or add to costs.

18. By a two-to-one margin, Colorado voters side with supporters after hearing both points of view.
62%
Supporters
Statement
29%
Opponents
Statement

19. The Bottom Line

20. The Bottom Line
Colorado voters express concern about the potential health impacts from the chemicals which are present in day-to-day life.
There is solid support for stricter regulation of chemicals in concept.
More specifically, reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act has broad-based support, and every sub-group of voters in the state is more likely to support than oppose it.
When provided with two viewpoints about this legislation, support remains strong as a solid majority say they agree more with supporters than opponents.

21. Chris Keating, President
Lori Weigel, Partner
Chris Keating, President