Poll: Voters’ view of EPA hits low point

A record-low number of voters have a favorable view of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to a new survey from conservative polling outlet Rasmussen Reports.

The survey found only 32 percent of likely voters view the EPA favorably, the lowest number since Rasmussen started asking the question three years ago.

{mosads}The last time Rasmussen took the poll in June, 36 percent of respondents had favorable opinions of the agency.

Weak public support could make it more difficult for the EPA to push through top Obama administration priorities, like cutting carbon emissions from power plants, which it plans to do with two final regulations next year.

In addition to public sentiment, the EPA will have to battle a GOP-controlled Congress, which has pledged to fight many of the agency’s rules.

Forty percent of voters viewed the EPA unfavorably in the survey published late Tuesday, the same share as the June poll, Rasmussen said. Twenty-eight percent were undecided.

EPA spokeswoman Liz Purchia said the agency has strong support for its initiatives.

“A healthy environment for our children should not be a partisan issue,” she said. “Across the country, citizens want EPA to fulfill its mission, established by Congress, to safeguard clean air and clean water, which are essential building blocks for a strong economy.”

Purchia added that she is confident that the EPA can accomplish its goals.

“EPA will continue to carry out President Obama’s directive to take real action on climate change, the most complex energy and environmental challenge we’ve ever faced, by reducing carbon pollution,” she said.