There’s this unfair perception that being a Republican means you don’t care about protecting our environment and conserving nature.
The root word in “conservative” is “conserve” and it was a Republican president – Teddy Roosevelt – who first gave environmental issues national attention by preserving millions of acres of forests and park land.
“The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired in value,” Roosevelt said.
We’re at a point in our global history where we must take decisive action to protect our natural resources and environment. For too long, both parties have failed Americans when it comes to crafting an actionable plan to protect our planet. Republican leaders must work together to create constructive, free-market environmental policies that can both boost business efforts while preserving our environment and reducing overall carbon emissions.
Here in Carmel, Indiana, we are happy to see more solar energy incorporated into new headquarters, mixed-use developments, and other new construction in our city. We continue to find ways to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging cycling and walking, and by building roundabouts, which reduce emissions by cutting down on idling at red lights. I also joined the Carmel City Council in voting yes to pass a climate action plan and create a commission to ensure recommendations are put into action.
On a national level, we must support congressional efforts to build clean energy infrastructure, which provides significant economic, national security, climate, and quality-of-life benefits.
Unfortunately, many infrastructure projects which are proven to improve our environment and satisfy our nation’s energy needs without damaging our planet are being held up by government red tape. Permitting delays and lengthy reviews are slowing down a boom of clean energy projects that will create high-paying jobs and protect our environment.
Congress must continue working to ensure clean energy infrastructure investments, already approved through bills like the bipartisan infrastructure law, can come to fruition. Energy infrastructure projects included in that law are essential to addressing our country’s supply chain challenges, improving grid resiliency and reliability, and meeting our energy and climate ambitions, all of which will bolster our economy.
Broader permitting reform can make future project approvals more efficient, predictable, and coordinated while increasing transparency and accountability and reducing bureaucratic friction. Without additional progress, net-zero emissions by 2050 will not be in reach.
On a city level, I’m hoping to continue to put our environment at the forefront of mind when it comes to voting on new projects. I’ve already spoken out about my concern about trees being removed when new projects are built. While I’m only one vote, I will continue to fight to preserve existing mature trees and ensure new trees are planted.
Carmel has also been recognized as a “Green Community” by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and has been presented numerous awards and grants from various natural resource organizations regarding our Urban Forestry initiatives. But our work is not done. We must do more to protect our environment.
Adam Aasen is a City Councilor representing Carmel’s Southeast District.