The share of Americans who say stricter environmental laws and regulations are “worth the cost” has increased in recent years (63% in 2019 vs. 59% in 2017) with a significant shift coming among Republicans (45% in 2019 vs 36% in 2017). 

This shift comes as Republicans have become more divided ideologically over stricter environmental regulations. Among the roughly two-thirds of Republicans and voters who 'lean-Republican', 60% say stricter laws cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. However, among the party’s moderates and liberals (who make up about 1/3 of all Republicans and GOP leaners), 60% say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost.

There also are gender, age and educational differences in these attitudes. Women (69%) are more likely than men (58%) to say stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. And while majorities in every age group say stricter environmental laws are worth it, a larger share of those ages 18 to 29 (72%) say this compared with those who are older than 50 (60%).

Positive views of environmental laws and regulations are also more common among adults with more education. Roughly three-quarters of those with a college degree or more (74%) say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost, compared with 59% of those without a college degree.

Read the full write-up from Pew.