Posted on 08/28/2018 8:52:06 AM PDT by Kaslin
Now more than ever, it’s imperative that Republicans take the lead on environmental issues. The opportunity is clear, with the GOP enjoying control of Congress and the presidency – an accomplishment quite impressive given the polarized state of American politics. To maintain this conservative majority and survive what will be a difficult fight in the midterms, however, Republicans must broaden their appeal by discussing issues that fall outside of the party’s traditional platform.
Fortunately, a number of congressional Republicans are devoting significant attention to environmental issues. An endorsement list compiled by the American Conservation Coalition showcases these efforts and highlights a range of vocal, yet underappreciated, conservative environmental champions.
The endorsement list effectively shines light on Republican legislators like Reps. Carlos Curbelo, Lee Zeldin, and Adam Kinzinger, that often receive little recognition for their commitment to addressing environmental and energy concerns.
In today’s polarizing political atmosphere, it’s crucial that we uplift and publicize the actions of these pro-environment, Republican legislators. Recognizing these individuals will help to dispel the notion that Republicans are anti-environment and more importantly encourage conservatives to engage in these policy conversations.
Bringing conservatives into environmental conversations will end the liberal monopoly on these issues and allow for more robust and less one-sided debates. Republicans now have the chance to offer sensible, limited government alternatives to the typical overreaching policies proposed by Democrats. Luckily, a number of Republicans have seized on this opportunity and taken initiative to lead on an array of environmental issues.
Carlos Curbelo is a co-founder of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus and has been a strong proponent of addressing sea level rise. Lee Zeldin has been leading efforts to protect the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that plays an integral role in maintaining public lands and promoting recreation. Adam Kinzinger has used his seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee to advocate for an all-of-the-above energy approach that protects the environment and promotes economic growth.
Increased attention to this policy area is likely in response to growing support for the environment and clean energy among GOP identifiers. Polling consistently suggests that Republicans, especially young ones, are placing more emphasis on these issues, and legislators are rightfully taking notice.
This is not to suggest that all Republicans are adequately addressing environmental issues. In fact, a lot of work still needs to be done to engage those conservatives that express unwarranted hostility towards the environment and clean energy. But suggesting that the Republican Party as a whole is anti-environment, a narrative often pushed by the far left, is utterly outlandish.
Radical, far left environmental groups like the League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club, work tirelessly to paint conservatives as anti-environment, anti-climate change, and even anti-clean water. In evaluating elected officials, these groups place weight on matters completely unrelated to environmental issues, such as immigration and abortion, to deflate conservatives’ scores. These organizations function more like political arms of the Democratic Party than promoters of environmental quality.
Fortunately, claims made by the League of Conservation Voters and others are disproven by the existence of groups like the American Conservation Coalition and the actions of a number of congressional Republicans. The culture within the conservative movement is clearly changing, and hopefully in time even more Republicans will recognize the advantages that come with offering solutions to environmental and energy issues. This realization will ensure continued success for the Republican Party and will allow it to deliver results to the American people in yet another policy area.
translation: These guys have all taken kickbacks from the next wave of “green energy innovation entrepreneurs”.
I also see money changing hands in my crystal ball. This is such pandering BS.
The this mean democrats need to attack the ‘conservative monopoly’ on supporting the Second Amendment?
[[Republicans must broaden their appeal by discussing issues that fall outside of the party’s traditional platform.]]
Yep- just like wishy washy compromising ‘Christians’ claiming ‘The Church’ must ‘embrace changes’ in order to ‘attract people’ to their churches- ie embracing homosexuality, so as not to offend homos or liberals, embrace abortion in order not to offend women- etc etc etc
The this mean democrats need to attack the ‘conservative monopoly’ on supporting the Second Amendment?
...need to be voted out.
Nobody wants air and water pollution; fish riddled with Mercury and gamma rays, food tainted with chemicals and fertilizer.
If these boys and girls are serious, they can start with Thorium energy. That will address just about anything the environmental people say they want, and great for the economy to boot.
meh
Trump is doing more for the environment than all these so called important environmentalists put together
The Republican party seems to have this eternal belief in a mythical concept that if they become Democrats, the Republican party will flourish.
No, if everyone is a Democrat, no one is a Republican.
If everyone presents the same pie in the sky fixes to problems that don’t exist, there is no reason to vote Republican vs Democrat.
One person is described as addressing the problems of sea levels rising.
Sea levels aren’t rising. Does anyone see a problem with nonsense like this?
Propaganda to the contrary we have already done a TREMENDOUS AMOUNT to clean-up the environment.
It’s why we now find ourselves hip-deep in deer, bears and wildcats.
“Ronnie Thompson is currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia, where he studies political science and environmental law. He enjoys using his voice to promote conservative ideals in a variety of areas, particularly with regards to environmental and energy issues”
To I’ll educated to be useful
If they’re so concerned why do that eat Tyson products ?
Perfect example of a conservative approach:
Fred Upton, REPUBLICAN from Michigan, author of the incandescent light bulb ban. Turned out to be UTTERLY POINTLESS.
Within a few years LED technology advanced to the point where the bulbs were cheaper, more reliable, and saved you so much on your electric bill that everyone started switching of their own free CHOICE.
Innovation and better ideas in the market place will drive change. No need for Government to get involved AT ALL.
Somebody tell Kinzinger that the best way to protect the environment is to leave things in private hands as much as possible. The free market protects and serves people. Government wastes resources and screws things up.
I hate fluorescents. LEDs are ok
Much prefer my old light bulbs thanks. It is stupid to think that outlawing incandescent bulbs will change the climate particularly with multiple volcanos going off
B F S. That is how we got to where we are in the first place. Republicans need to stick to their principles, stick to their promises and support their base.
We don't have a conservative majority by any stretch of the imagination. We have a Republican majority but many of them are far from conservative.
Translation- Carbon Taxes
Likewise in the US Congress, which just appropriated large sums of money for the US military to deal with global warming
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