Most Would Accept Tougher Steps in War on Pollution

The vast majority of Americans would accept mandatory trash recycling, higher electric bills and other inconveniences to help clean up the environment, a national poll has found.

Broad perceptions exist that pollution is on the rise. The Media General and Associated Press survey also found backing for initiatives ranging from a ban on household aerosol products to strict emission controls at power plants.

Three-quarters of the 1,084 respondents said laws against pollution in the United States are too weak, and about as many faulted efforts by government, businesses and average Americans to keep the environment clean.

Environmental concerns were heightened by the 10-million-gallon Exxon Valdez oil spill in March in Prince William Sound, Alaska. But the poll found concern and support for action beyond oil tanker safety.

Most respondents also supported restrictions on their own behavior. Twenty percent said their communities now require them to separate and recycle household trash; of the rest, 87% said they would support such a requirement.

Similarly, 75% said they would back a ban on household aerosol products, whose propellants can pollute the air, and 60% supported a ban on charcoal lighter fluid.