Montanans are eager to develop the state's natural resources to
create more good-paying jobs, according to a recent poll conducted
for the Montana Chamber of Commerce.
Poll respondents resoundingly voiced support for development, 68
percent to 18 percent, when they were asked whether the state
government should encourage and promote the mining, timber and oil
and gas industries because of the jobs and economic benefits they
provide, or restrict and discourage those industries because of
potential environmental impacts.
A strong majority — 63
percent to 25 percent — majority also think that businesses can be
expected to do the right thing when it comes to protecting the
environment. Eight-hundred Montana voters were surveyed the
second week of November, giving the poll an error margin of plus or
minus 3.5 percentage points, chamber officials said.
"We are pleased that Montana voters are behind business on
important economic issues," said Webb Brown, president and CEO of
the Montana Chamber. "They understand that a thriving, healthy
business community is a key to creating good-paying jobs and more
state revenues.
"The recent state budget surpluses are due in part to the natural
resources boom," Brown said. "Montanans obviously can connect the
dots. They want to see more resource development so we can continue
to enjoy surpluses and wage growth in the future."
A conservationist disputed the wording of the question he said
pitted development against environment and said other studies have
shown preservation of open spaces, wildlands and a clean environment
draw tourists and new residents to Montana.
"The question was phrased in a way that almost guaranteed an
overwhelmingly positive response because jobs are important to
Montanans," said Chris Mehl, communications director for the
Wilderness Society. "Our group isn't against encouraging mineral
development, but believes it's got to be done right.
"It's clear that Montanans want environmental safeguards to
accompany development, because they've voted twice by big majorities
to restrict the cyanide-heap leaching mine method," Mehl added.
"Even with the current energy boom, oil and gas contributes a
remarkably small percentage to personal income in Montana and across
the Rockies," he said — 0.8 percent of personal income in Montana in
2005.
He quoted a study by Western economists, including Larry Swanson
of the University of Montana, which said preservation of public
lands and recreational opportunities have becoming increasingly
important to the economy.
"The driver of the economic expansion that has occurred in the
larger Rocky Mountain West region over the last 15 years is the
amenities that have attracted more and more people, business and
income," Swanson said.
Other results of the Montana Chamber survey include:
Montanans believe the state economy is on the right track by a
54 percent to 27 percent margin and 57 percent believe state
government is on the right track, while 26 percent said it is not.
In reviewing results of earlier Montana Chamber polls, Jon
Bennion, chamber government relations director, said that "Montanans
tend to look favorably at state government so long as the economy is
doing well."
- Despite the state's stormy and closely divided 2007 legislative
session that had to meet in a special session to resolve the budget,
42 percent of those surveyed said they would probably vote to
re-elect their local legislators, with 38 percent saying they would
prefer to give someone else a chance.
- Respondents said that if state government continues to see
budget surpluses, they would prefer permanent tax relief over
one-time tax rebates by a 45 percent to 26 percent margin.
- About 28 percent said health care costs were their top financial
concern, followed by higher energy costs at 16 percent; taxes and
their children's education, both 11 percent; and a secure
retirement, 10 percent.
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