New Poll: New Mexicans Strongly Support Ambitious Drought, Climate and Methane Policies in Hard Fought Election Year

(SANTA FE, NM – Aug 23, 2022) Strong majorities of New Mexicans support major state policies to address drought and climate change, including rules to limit methane and carbon emissions, according to a Greenberg Quinlan Rosner poll commissioned by EDF Action.

New Mexico has faced severe climate-fueled drought and mega-fires, with stretches of the Rio Grande running completely dry and the state experiencing the largest fire in its history in May.

“This poll makes crystal clear climate change is severely impacting the Land of Enchantment and that New Mexicans want immediate solutions from their elected leaders,” said Albert Morales of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner. “Moreover, the poll shows increased support for candidates who talk about these issues among a sizeable majority of voters.”

Addressing water supply and drought ranks among the top issues concerning voters, with 89% in support of the state taking steps to secure safe drinking water for rural and tribal communities. Climate policies also score extremely well, with 70% supporting recently adopted regulations to limit methane pollution. In addition, 58% of voters support a new law to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050, as compared to just 38% of voters who are opposed. Hispanic voters are among the most supportive groups for strong climate and clean air policy, with 75% supporting methane regulations and 64% supporting a new climate change law.

Meanwhile, the poll also found Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham leading her race for reelection, beating Republican nominee Mark Ronchetti, 48% to 44%, and with a strong favorability rating of 52%.

“New Mexico voters understand deeply the connection between drought and megafires fueled by climate change, and how these calamities threaten the health and livelihoods of families across the state,” said Alex DeGolia, Director of US Climate for EDF Action. “Voters also strongly support state action to reduce pollution and protect our precious water. And they are ready for their elected leaders to continue to advance policies that can do just that.”

Read more about the key findings in the polling memo here.

Greenberg, Quinlan, Rosner Research conducted the statewide survey from July 11-17, 2022, among 500 likely November 2022 voters with an oversample of 100 Hispanic voters. It was conducted via landline and cell phones and carries a margin of error of +/- 4.4 percent. The data are statistically weighted to ensure the sample’s regional, age, and gender composition reflects that of the estimated likely November 2022 voters in New Mexico.