ConservAmerica April Newsletter

April 2, 2021

While fiscal hawks are understandably concerned about the rapid pace of the Biden administration’s spending, it’s essential for conservatives to engage in the current debate on infrastructure. If done right, investment in America’s infrastructure can generate favorable returns—but only if conservatives help shape the outcome to ensure it is environmentally and fiscally sound.

One lens to view infrastructure funding through is disaster preparedness, which is why ConservAmerica is a member of the SmarterSafer Coalition. The federal government currently spends more on post-disaster cleanup and reconstruction than on pre-disaster mitigation. That equation needs to change if we want to better protect our communities from future natural catastrophes—as well as protect taxpayer dollars. It is estimated that every dollar invested in mitigation now will save $6 in post-disaster spending, which is why a targeted infrastructure package could, in fact, be cost-effective.

ConservAmerica will be discussing infrastructure frequently in the coming weeks and we encourage our supporters to actively participate in this debate. In the meantime, take a look at some of the specific recommendations we endorsed in letters the SmarterSafer Coalition sent to President Biden and congressional leaders.

Finally, Easter is about rebirth and hope. As we look forward to the end of pandemic shutdowns and a return to normalcy, so too do we look forward to new beginnings and finding new ways to serve our communities. Entering this Easter weekend, may your faith be renewed, and may you find joy in the friends and family around you.

Thu, Apr 01

Republicans should seize the opportunity to invest in infrastructure smartly

Conservatives are understandably concerned about the rapid pace of the Biden administration’s spending of taxpayers’ dollars. But they should also recognize the opportunity to address America’s long-n

Wed, Mar 31

Real Clear: As the President Calls for Investment in Infrastructure, Republican Lawmakers Engaged on Climate Have Never Been More Important

In Wednesday’s edition of Real Clear Energy, ConservAmerica’s Sarah Velasquez joins a number of other right-of-center organizations in calling out the work Republicans have done to advance clean energ

Thu, Mar 25

ConservAmerica Statement On Carbon Pricing As Market-Based Approach To Tackling Climate Change

ConservAmerica believes that market-based approaches, including a price on carbon, will result in the most efficient, least costly means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This includes policie

Sat, Mar 20

Senate Hearing on Electricity Sector Stresses Reliability and Affordability While Urging Government Action

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on March 10 to discuss the future of the American energy sector, and how our nation’s energy direction can impact our changing clima

Fri, Mar 19

ConservAmerica’s Todd Johnston Handicaps Biden Administration’s Energy and Climate Plans in Heritage Foundation Webinar

A lot of game-changing decisions have already been handed down by the Biden administration. In less than two months, it has cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline, re-entered the Paris climate agreement,

Wed, Mar 03

ConservAmerica Submits Supreme Court Filing in Government of Guam v. U.S. Case

WASHINGTON, DC – ConservAmerica today submitted a “friend of the court” brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Guam v. United States arguing in favor of the plaintiff’s efforts to get the U.S. govern

Antiquities Act Could Play a Monumental Role in 30x30

With the stroke of a pen, presidents can set aside acres upon acres of public lands for conservation under the Antiquities Act—a potentially enticing shortcut for a White House vowing to protect 30% of the nation's lands and waters in a natural state over the next decade. But ahead of conservation recommendations expected from the Interior Department to President Biden next month, observers can only speculate how large a role the 1906 law will play in meeting the "30x30" goal. Read more from E&E News.

President Biden’s Eco-Moonshot Should Use Markets, Not Mandates

There will be a push to use old, divisive tools on public lands to score easy gains, such as designating new monuments or banning fossil-fuel development. But conserving land does not necessarily require a heavy hand from the federal government. The administration should use this moment to explore newer, more-creative market-based solutions. Indeed, whatever its instincts to the contrary, this would be its best chance of success. Read more at PERC.

Republicans Reveal “Agenda for Securing Cleaner American Energy”

Republican leaders from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Fred Upton (R-MI), and David McKinley (R-WV), penned an op-ed for Morning Consult following the release of their “Agenda for Securing Cleaner American Energy,” a package of 18 covering innovation, nuclear energy, natural gas and oil, hydropower, and construction and manufacturing intended to secure America’s energy future and global competitive edge against China. Read more at Morning Consult.

Biden Officials Rethinking Trump Environmental Review Rule

The Biden administration has identified “numerous concerns” with a Trump-era environmental review regulation and wants a federal court to remand the rule rather than carry on with litigation. The previous White House’s Council on Environmental Quality aimed to speed up and narrow the scope of reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, which ConservAmerica applauded. Agencies conduct NEPA analyses whenever they adopt rules, issue permits, or take other actions that could significantly affect the environment. Read more at Bloomberg Law.