A new Gallup poll indicates that only 35% of Americans rate the environment as good or excellent, the lowest figure since tracking began in 2001. Majorities express deep concerns over water pollution and climate change. Meanwhile, 57% believe the government is doing too little to protect the environment.
The Gallup poll, released last week, reveals heightened public anxiety about environmental quality. Just 35% of U.S. adults view the overall environment positively, down from previous years. Concerns span multiple areas, with water issues leading: 56% worry a great deal about drinking water pollution, 53% about the fresh water supply, and 50% about pollution in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, according to Gallup data cited in the survey analysis. Climate change worries are also prominent, with 44% expressing significant concern over global warming—near the 2020 peak of 46%—and two-thirds worrying at least a fair amount. Independents have shifted notably, with 61% now saying the government does too little, up from 52% last year, while Democrats show higher worry levels than Republicans across issues. The 119th Congress, under Republican control since January 2025, has used the Congressional Review Act to pass 22 resolutions overturning regulations, a record number mostly targeting the EPA. These included rules on methane fees for oil and gas companies, hazardous air emissions from tire manufacturing, and California's vehicle emissions waivers. Pro-environment legislation, such as the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act for a $1 trillion fund and the bipartisan Clean Competition Act, has stalled without debate.
