Despite the bad rap, conservatives are engaged on climate change | Opinion

A remarkable trend has emerged in climate policy over recent years: bipartisan cooperation. Contrary to recent narratives, Republicans have played a pivotal role in advancing significant climate policies, demonstrating a commitment to addressing environmental challenges while upholding conservative principles of innovation, economic growth and limited government intervention.

Over the past few years, three out of the last four major climate bills have enjoyed bipartisan support, showcasing a willingness among lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to set aside ideological differences in pursuit of tangible solutions.

The 2020 Energy Act would not have made it across the finish line without the leadership of Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. The much-hailed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aka the bipartisan infrastructure bill, had the support of Republicans in both chambers of Congress.

The CHIPS Act, a science and tech bill that aims to elevate the U.S. to both maintain and advance its technology edge, enjoyed bipartisan support. And even the Inflation Reduction Act, while it scored no Republican votes due to the partisan mechanisms employed to get it passed, incorporated provisions aimed at promoting clean energy technologies, reducing emissions and raising resilience against climate-related threats; as standalone bills, many of these provisions were championed by Republican lawmakers.

Moreover, Republicans have spearheaded several smaller climate bills, such as the Growing Climate Solutions Act, championed by Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana. This now-law seeks to promote voluntary carbon markets and incentivize agricultural practices that sequester carbon.

And don’t forget the ratification of the Kigali Agreement — an important amendment to the highly successful Montreal Protocol — spearheaded by Sens. John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana to ensure the harmful greenhouses gases called HFCs are phased out much like the world worked to phase out the ozone-harming CFCs through the underlying treaty, a treaty strongly advocated for by the late President Ronald Reagan.

Can we do more? Absolutely. The U.S. still needs a policy mechanism that ensures a reduction in carbon emissions. The best option by far is a carbon tax, a proposal both sides of the aisle, frankly, are hesitant to embrace even though economists say it’s the fastest and most efficient way to deal with carbon pollution.

Republicans are also leading efforts to streamline permitting processes, which represent a critical barrier to the rapid deployment of clean energy projects. By reducing regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic red tape, Republicans are facilitating the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure while ensuring environmental standards are upheld.

Criticism of Republicans’ efforts on climate change often centers on their reluctance to endorse sweeping regulatory measures or carbon-pricing schemes favored by some Democrats. However, this reluctance reflects a legitimate concern about the potential economic consequences of such policies, particularly for industries reliant on traditional energy sources.

Rather than advocating for heavy-handed regulations, Republicans advocate for policies that promote technological innovation, streamline permitting processes and empower states and local communities to tailor solutions to their unique needs. By embracing a decentralized approach to environmental policy, Republicans prioritize flexibility, efficiency and individual liberty while still advancing environmental objectives.

All these critical accomplishments underscore the fact that Republicans are not only willing but actively engaged in addressing climate change. By championing market-based solutions, fostering innovation and prioritizing regulatory efficiency, Republicans are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future. It’s imperative to recognize these significant contributions by Republicans to the ongoing work to mitigate climate change.

Mary Anna Mancuso is a political strategist and a spokesperson for RepublicEn.org, a growing group of conservatives who care about climate change. This opinion piece was distributed by The Invading Sea website (theinvadingsea.com), which posts news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida.