A new poll from Southern Illinois University's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute had surprising results for environmentalists.
The institute surveyed one thousand registered voters earlier this month, and 64% said they prioritized the environment as an issue. In contrast, 27% said economic growth should come first. The results took Illinois Environmental Council Director Jennifer Walling by surprise.
"I have not seen a poll that so strongly prioritized environmental protection, so that is very interesting," she said.