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GALLUP POLL SHOWS MORE CONCERN FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER THAN CLIMATE CHANGE

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday's celebration of Earth Day successfully raised awareness for many environmental concerns across the country, but the Associated General Contractors of America fears that ensuring clean drinking water lacks the attention it deserves. A recent Gallup Poll shows that Americans perceive clean drinking water as a threat more than climate change.

Fifty–three percent of Americans worry "a great deal" over the pollution of drinking water, while just thirty–seven percent place that concern on global warming, according to a Gallup Poll taken March 6–9, 2008. Gallup suggests the numbers might have been higher had the survey been conducted following an Associated Press report on pharmaceuticals in drinking water.

"These poll results demonstrate that the public is out in front of policy makers," said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. "They recognize that our deteriorating water delivery systems are in need of repair and they want someone to do something about it."

Gallup conducts an Environment survey annually, and notes that pollution of drinking water has been Americans' top concern since 1990.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents 33,000 firms, including 7,500 of America's leading general contractors and 12,500 specialty–contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."

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