New Colorado College poll shows cost of living and water dominate Western concerns
Affordability and water are the most pressing concerns in the Mountain West, according to the annual Conservation in the West poll released Wednesday. By the numbers: 78% of residents in eight Mountain West states rank cost of living and gas prices as the most serious concerns, the Colorado College survey found. Drought, river levels and water supplies rounded out the top five issues among the 14 polled. All counted as top concerns for at least 60% of registered voters. Why it matters: The elevated worries — an important benchmark for policymakers — show the Western way of life is at risk as inflation and climate change erode dreams of finding new lives in wide-open spaces.