As we head into the final days of election season, we’re keeping our newsletter short and to the point – please make sure you get out and vote. Our democratic right to vote is more than just a privilege; it’s a vital tool to shape the future of our land, water, and energy resources. At ConservAmerica we believe in conserving our country’s natural treasures while ensuring America’s economic strength. We also believe that a strong economy and a healthy environment must go hand in hand if we are to pass a better world to our children and grandchildren.

This election is particularly pivotal for energy policy and conservation. With the continued need for more energy, the overlay of oftentimes burdensome regulations, an overwhelming need for permitting reform, and the future of environmental priorities at stake, our votes will determine how we balance economic growth with the responsible stewardship of our resources. Policies that both protect private property rights and encourage responsible resource development are essential for a thriving environment and a secure nation. 

With a view towards our energy future, ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer attended a site visit this week in the district of Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) to view a commercial property that installed rooftop solar panels using the solar investment tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Rep. Garbarino recently led a letter from 18 House Republicans urging Speaker Mike Johnson to prioritize business and market certainty when considering efforts to repeal or reform the IRA. Despite the unfortunate partisanship of its passage, we have long made the conservative case for components of the Inflation Reduction Act and hope these views will be considered under a new Congress.

Rep. Garbarino will be one of four members we honor in November at our annual Congressional Champions Awards reception in Washington, DC. Our three other honorees are Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The award recognizes members for their commitment to advocating for innovative and commonsense environmental, energy, and conservation policies, and we look forward to celebrating these conservation champions.

We are living through interesting times and an unprecedented election cycle. Will we revisit a Trump presidency, or will we have our first female president? Will the Republicans hold on to the House? Will they regain the Senate? It’s anyone’s guess at this point. So many things are out of our control, but voting is our fundamental right, and exercising our right to vote gives us a voice. In the words of President Jed Bartlet, decisions are made by those who show up. Please be sure to vote on Tuesday!