North Dakota's diverse environmental views revealed in statewide poll

A recent poll in North Dakota shows a wide range of opinions on climate change, carbon capture, and electric vehicles, reflecting the state's varied environmental perspectives.

Jeff Beach reports for North Dakota Monitor.


In short:

  • The poll indicates that 43% of North Dakota voters see climate change as a serious problem, with a clear divide along party lines.
  • Opinions on carbon capture and storage are mixed, with many residents undecided about its effectiveness in reducing climate change impacts.
  • There is low interest in electric vehicles among North Dakotans, with 85% unlikely to purchase one next.

Key quote:

“We found that opinions on environmental issues have become highly politicized."

— Trevor Smith, chief research officer at WPA Intelligence

Why this matters:

The poll results highlight the complexity of environmental issues in North Dakota, a state known for its extreme weather and significant role in energy production. Understanding these diverse viewpoints is crucial for developing effective environmental policies and addressing climate change challenges.

Be sure to read Peter Dykstra’s 2022 piece: Pipeline politics.

Worker installing solar panels on a shingled residential rooftop
Credit: elenathewise/BigStock Photo ID: 9354038

To block solar energy projects, one community lumped them in with junkyards and adult bookstores

A local fight in Indiana shows that even streamlined permitting can’t overcome deep community resistance to solar development.
LNG tanker ship with oil & gas refinery plant in background
Credit: khunaspix/BigStock Photo ID: 89526005

A Canadian LNG project is expected to push emissions past standards

A FortisBC’s plan to further expand its decades-old LNG facility will significantly worsen pollution in neighboring communities.

An LNG tanker ship and tugs are maneuvering for docking at a gas terminal
Credit: photowrzesien/BigStock Photo ID: 412271062

Inside the web of pro-oil and gas groups shaping Canada’s climate change narrative

New research by Greenpeace Canada lays out connections between pro-fossil fuel groups working together to influence public opinion.

Trans Alaska pipeline along the Dalton Road
Credit: wlfella/BigStock Photo ID: 35273933

Trump exempts oil exploration in Arctic petroleum reserve from environmental reviews

The Interior Department issued a notice exempting wintertime oil and gas exploration in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska from the reviews.

Dairy cows lined up in a milking parlor
Credit: zenstock/BigStock Photo ID: 127152155

Lawsuit seeks answers on EPA’s abandoned CAFO pollution panel

US regulators are illegally withholding records related to the disbanding of a panel set up by the Biden administration to address water pollution from factory farms.

Workers overlook the Enbridge Line 3 Oil Pipeline Construction Site in Minnesota forest with excavators and bulldozer.
Credit: scandamerican/BigStock Photo ID: 434053643

‘We are seen as disposable’: Rural residents fight a proposed gas pipeline

Research shows natural gas pipelines — and the public health risks they carry — are concentrated in low-income and minority areas.

An illustration of a burning earth being dipped into cool water

‘Every day above 1.5 C is now going to matter’

A firm believer in translating scientific research and international frameworks into local action, environmental scientist Debra Roberts encourages people to ask questions and pressure policymakers to take bold climate action.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.