Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of The Reporter, its publisher or its staff. You can submit your own Letter to the Editor by email to News@ReadTheReporter.com.
Editor’s note: Kenzie Binford is a Carmel resident and Political Director of the College Republicans at Indiana University.
Dear Editor:
The next generation of conservatives is eager for action to address climate change in a way that protects our environment while creating jobs and bolstering the U.S. economy. Which is why we’re grateful for leaders in the Republican Party who continue to help advance commonsense, market-based climate solutions.
This includes Republican leaders in Congress who helped get the Energy Act of 2020 included in the last spending bill passed at the end of 2020. As the first comprehensive energy bill to pass in more than a decade, the bipartisan Energy Act commits $35 billion in investments to building out and modernizing America’s clean energy infrastructure. These investments include everything from renewables to energy storage to carbon capture.
Beyond that, the bipartisan cooperation that went into this legislation should serve as a model for how the parties can come together to advance smart clean energy solutions that enable America to continue leading the world on carbon reduction while creating new economic and employment opportunities.
Fortunately, Indiana is well-represented in Washington by Senators Todd Young (R) and Mike Braun (R). Senator Braun has, for his part, put forward the market-driven, bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act last year, which would help Indiana farmers and foresters access existing carbon credit markets. This kind of approach would help lower carbon emissions while providing financial security for our agricultural industry.
Republicans should continue pushing forward practical climate and clean energy solutions and working across the aisle to get the job done for the American people. Younger conservatives – like the College Republicans at Indiana University – are eager to celebrate more bipartisan, climate-smart accomplishments.
Kenzie Binford
Carmel