For More Information:
Bob Lazaro, PEC Communications Director
540.454.2742
Lisa Guthrie, Virginia League of Conservation Voters-Education Fund, Executive Director
804.225.1902
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Richmond, Virginia and Warrenton, Virginia - July 9, 2007) The Virginia League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (VALCV-EF) and the Piedmont Environmental Council have released the results of a statewide survey that demonstrates strong majorities throughout the state with respect to conserving Virginia's natural resources. Most interesting is that the conservation coalition that emerges is as diverse as the electorate itself - comprised of Republican-leaning audiences, such as conservatives who attend church at least weekly, to more liberal secular voters and moderates. All are highly supportive of a conservation agenda and conservation candidates.

"Clearly the results of this survey demonstrate that Virginians from all walks of life support proposals that encourage more land conservation, that invest in alternative and renewable energy and that give communities the tools they need to address growth," said Christopher G. Miller, President of PEC and Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "There is a clear and growing "Conservation Majority" of voters that is demanding that our Commonwealth take further actions to preserve and enhance our communities."

Key findings of the poll include:

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
• 61% of voters believe the State must have a large role in solving the issue of global warming
• 78% of voters believe that businesses in Virginia have a responsibility to reduce global warming pollution and other wastes
• 86% believe the State government should invest in making Virginia's universities the nation's leader in the research and development of clean energy alternatives
• 85% believe that State government should do more to encourage clean and alternative energy research and development in Virginia.
Chesapeake Bay Clean Up
• 61% of voters say cleaning up the Bay is a top concern in deciding their vote for candidate for public office.
• 68% of voters would pay one dollar a month more in either taxes or fees in order to dedicate those funds to preserving the Chesapeake Bay
• 85% of voters say it is important to meet Virginia's 20% land conservation goals within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Transportation
• 70% of voters are very or somewhat concerned about traffic in their area
• 68% of voters prefer a candidate for public office who believes we should invest in creating more transportation options for Virginia, such as more commuter rail and expanded bus services to reduce traffic
Managing Growth
• 65% of voters say that a candidate's view on land use, growth and curbing sprawl will be the most important or an important factor in their voting decision.
• 72% of voters believe that local government should be given more tools to manage growth and development in their area
• 60% of voters say that it is only fair that private developers should contribute to the additional costs of growth to the community, such as building new schools, roads and other infrastructure.

The poll was conducted by Myers Research Strategic Services and American Viewpoint between June 7 and 12. 600 likely 2007 Virginia voters were interviewed. The poll has a margin of +/- 4%.

Samples from all regions of Virginia were included in the poll-Northern Virginia, Tidewater, Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, Southside, and Southwest.

A summary of the poll can be downloaded at www.valcv.org or http://www.valcv.org/documents/2007VALCV-EFConservationMajorityPoll.pdf