Most Americans believe the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts are the most important environmental initiatives, and feel that each has made progress toward its goal.
This finding is according to a survey released today by the non-profit Foundation for Clean Air Progress (FCAP).
Seventy-two percent of the 600 people surveyed believe that the Clean Air Act has accomplished either "some" or "a great deal." More than half (58 percent) describe the legislation as very important, giving it a rating of 8 or higher on a scale from 1 to 10.
In a list of various environmental initiatives, respondents rated the Clean Air Act second in importance, behind the Clean Water Act, and ahead of Superfund and the Endangered Species Act.
"The Clean Air Act is a cornerstone of the environmental progress that we have seen in the United States during this century," said FCAP President William Fay." As we enter the new millennium, it is important to recognize that this critical piece of legislation has had a significant and measurable impact on our air quality, and will continue to do so well into the next century."
A majority (57 percent) of those surveyed believe that the country has made major progress on air pollution over the last 30 years. Additionally, more people think progress has been made on air pollution than any other environmental issues mentioned.
A copy of the full survey report is available at www.cleanairprogress.org