Young conservatives aim to make climate action a Republican priority

Donald Trump’s second term will test the American Conservation Coalition’s ability to advance a conservative approach to climate change centered on energy innovation, deregulation and national security.

Kate Yoder reports for Grist.

In short:

The American Conservation Coalition (ACC), a youth-led conservative climate group, promotes an “America-first” climate strategy prioritizing nuclear energy, deregulation and energy dominance.
ACC has built influence in Washington, with ties to Trump’s Cabinet nominees and 60,000 members nationwide, many in key government roles.
The group seeks bipartisan collaboration but remains aligned with fossil fuel development, contrasting progressive climate agendas.

Key quote:

“We need to focus a lot more on what actually works than what sounds good, and on tangible progress than on litmus tests that just further polarize both sides.”

— Chris Barnard, president of the ACC

Why this matters:

Efforts to bridge partisan divides on climate change could help shape U.S. environmental policy. While ACC’s focus on energy innovation aligns with conservative principles, its approach may face pushback from progressives over continued fossil fuel reliance.

grist.org

Young conservatives aim to make climate action a Republican priority

New Zealand’s climate ‘entering uncharted territory’ as greenhouse gases hit record highs

Solar power is helping the Global South skip fossil fuels

Utah needs a ‘Code Red’ policy to protect the homeless from extreme heat, report says

Colombia’s new government backs fracking as debate over energy future heats up

New documents add to evidence in climate deception case against ExxonMobil

Climate change and farming gave rise to ‘genetically distinct’ Beijing swan goose

Scientists who put faith in technology less likely to take climate action

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.