Conservatives can lead on climate engagement

Historic drought conditions and weather extremes have hit the outdoor industry hard in Montana and other states throughout the West. Shorter winters, brought on by a changing climate, are driving these hard-hitting delays in the season.

“There’s definitely been a shift in the weather in the last ten years that we’ve noticed and it’s getting harder and harder for us to count on having that snow early on,” said Melissa Alder, co-owner of a local cross-country ski and bicycle store.  Alder organizes the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Festival. But, this year, for the second time since 2020, the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Festival was canceled due to a lack of snow. 

The Montana Wildlife Federation released a report that concluded Montana could potentially lose 8,800 outdoor recreation jobs, and $263 million in labor earnings annually by 2050 due to climate change.

As economic policy leaders, conservatives have the opportunity to lead on this issue as we pass our land into the next generation’s hands. Stewardship has always been a conservative family value, and 73% of Republicans ages 18 to 39 acknowledge that climate change is happening.   

Montanans are already getting together on climate. Last month, both conservatives and liberals gathered at Montana State University to discuss how more young Republican voters are concerned about climate change. Participants included volunteers with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, American Conservation Coalition, and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.  

Lindsay Garcia from YECA pointed out that her concern stems from “loving our neighbors, caring for people and caring for God’s creation.”  

Volunteers with CCL suggested that permitting reform is necessary to ensure a stable grid for all of us.

The American Conservation Coalition focused on meeting Montanans where they’re at, and ensuring that everyone is a part of the climate conversation. This includes acknowledging the work that farmers, ranchers, and sportsmen already do for our ecosystems. 

Outside of Montana, conservatives are already creating the blueprint for a Green GOP. 

Congressman John Curtis (R-UT), founded the House Conservative Caucus in 2021. He says, “Republicans are taking the lead in an issue that has traditionally not been one we’ve participated in. And we’re showing the world that there are answers to this that are very much in line with conservative, Republican ideas.”

Also in DC, Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) are leading the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus. They’re optimistic the evenly split 58-member caucus can work together on climate policy. We’d like to see Congressmen Zinke and Rosendale join it and offer meaningful bipartisan climate legislation.

Here in Montana, Rep. Ryan Zinke said, “When my family and I have eaten lunch on Grinnell Glacier, the glacier has receded during lunch.” He was speaking of Glacier National Park, where the number of ice sheets has dropped to 25 from 150 in 1850. “Climate is changing; man is an influence,” he said.

Conservatives know that these issues are going to be important here at home and across the country. Let’s act now to pass the “Last best place” along to the next generation. 

Hattie Hobart is the western regional director for the American Conservation Coalition, the largest youth right-of-center grassroots environmental organization in the country. Alex Amonette volunteers with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonprofit, volunteer-powered advocacy organization with 2,500 supporters in Montana.