Conservative climate group works to shape GOP environmental policy
A youth-led conservative climate group is using its growing influence to push Republicans on environmental and energy issues as the party consolidates power in Washington.
Timothy Cama reports for E&E News.
In short:
- The American Conservation Coalition (ACC), founded in 2017, aims to engage Republicans on climate and energy while aligning with conservative priorities like nuclear energy, forest management, and natural gas.
- ACC leaders have built relationships with key GOP figures, including members of Congress and Trump administration officials, as they advocate for policy changes in permitting and conservation.
- While some Republicans remain skeptical of climate policies, ACC argues that conservatives have lacked a vehicle for productive engagement on environmental issues.
Key quote:
"We have known for a long time that conservatives want to come to the table on our issue set, and they want to have a voice on climate, energy and conservation."
— Danielle Franz, CEO of the American Conservation Coalition
Why this matters:
Historically, Republican leadership has leaned toward deregulation and an expansion of fossil fuel production, citing economic growth and energy independence as primary concerns. But with younger conservative voters and business leaders increasingly acknowledging climate risks, groups like the ACC are working to reframe environmental responsibility as compatible with free-market principles. Their approach favors innovation, carbon capture technologies, and market-driven solutions over government mandates, aiming to counter the perception that climate action is solely a left-leaning priority.
As the party navigates policy decisions, its handling of environmental regulation, federal energy subsidies, and international climate commitments will be closely watched. How much influence groups like the ACC will ultimately have remains an open question, but their presence signals a potential shift in how climate issues are debated within the party.
