There remains widespread bipartisan support for action to address Louisiana’s urgent land loss crisis through sediment diversions and other science-based restoration efforts. Two new polls of coastal Louisiana voters by Global Strategy Group (GSG) and North Star Opinion Research show widespread support for coastal restoration projects, consistent with prior polls in recent years.
Poll Resources
See full polling results | Read the press release | Polling Factsheet
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“At a time of extreme political polarization, it is rare to find bi-partisan agreement on any policy solution — and sometimes on what our problems even are. But this survey finds that an overwhelming majority of Republicans, independents, and Democrats agree that not only is coastal land loss a major problem in Louisiana, but also that the MBSD project should be completed to help address the situation.”Statewide Support for Sediment Diversions and the MBSD
Nearly three-quarters (73%) support the MBSD project, and that jumps to 83% once they learn it’s fully funded by BP oil spill settlement dollars. MBSD comes at no cost to taxpayers, but delays make storm impacts and insurance costs rise.
An overwhelming 82% percent of informed Louisiana voters support sediment diversions that address coastal restoration, up from 80% in 2023. This research also reinforces what we are hearing in communities: voters across the state – including in coastal regions – clearly support sediment diversions as an effective way to both build new wetlands and protect and sustain nearby areas.
MBSD is about more than land loss – it’s about safety. Voters say the number one reason to move forward with MBSD is protection from hurricanes and rising seas. With hurricanes worsening and insurance rates skyrocketing, delaying action puts homes, businesses and lives at risk.
Coastal Issues Poll Highlights
Continuing trends from recent years, Louisianians almost unanimously agree that it’s important to maintain as much coastal land as possible.
Louisianians have consistently stated that Louisiana NEEDS the Coastal Master Plan. Not just any plan, but one based on science. Polls from the last five years clearly show support for a science-backed Coastal Master Plan.
Louisianans overwhelmingly see the need to address land loss. Over two-thirds of Louisianians say that climate change is already having a serious impact on the state.
Voters impacted by the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion think coastal land loss is a real problem that needs confronting. Nine in ten voters call coastal land loss in Louisiana a major problem or a crisis.
Voters statewide and on the coast consistently see coastal land loss as having a direct impact and want to see action. Voters are overwhelmingly favorable to lawmakers who support taking strong action to protect and restore coastal areas and wetlands.
About the Poll
GSG, an independent polling firm, conducted a phone survey of more than 1,400 registered voters in Louisiana, including an oversampling in coastal parishes. Another poll by GSG and North Star Opinion Research conducted a multi-channel survey of 600 registered voters in the Barataria Basin region impacted by the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion (MBSD).