Conservative on Conservation
June 27th, 2007 by Carbon CoalitionGov. Mike Huckabee stressed his commitment to the environment and sounded similar to the Governor from California in his remarks during a meeting with South Carolinians. Our friends in South Carolina informed us about Huckabee’s remarks made on 6/22.
Huckabee described the natural link between his moral tenets as a conservative and a conservationist. He mentioned his belief that conservation and economic development were interdependent. This statement counteracts the typical global warming skeptic’s charge that any environmentally beneficial change would ruin the American economy. He continued to mention that as an avid sportsman and a Christian, he believes that we have a moral obligation to protect God’s creation.
From our South Carolina colleagues:
“In reference to international climate change policy, the Governor (Huckabee) was asked whether or not the U.S. should wait for China before acting. His response was that the U.S. should not wait for China, but that the U.S. should demand, via trade policy, that China compete on an even footing in terms of environmental regulation. He also voiced support for increased auto fuel efficiency standards as well as alternative fuels. On this latter point he emphasized that such fuels or energy sources be both clean and “home-grown.” In this context, Governor reviewed his strong commitment to energy independence.”
Does climate action help America re-capture its role as the moral world leader? This does not mean waiting around for developing countries like China, but rather setting an example that makes such environmental and economic sense that the rest of the world follows. The Republicans for Environmental Protection see the connection between conservation and economics clearly. Their website explains their philosophy:
“We are Republicans. We share a deep concern for the environment. We know that a healthy environment and a sound economy are both essential to our nation’s prosperity. We believe that by working together, we can preserve both our environment and our economy for current and future generations of Americans.”
New Hampshire citizens have the opportunity to hold Huckabee to his word and to the standard of the aforementioned Republicans for Environmental Protection. Let’s make sure he explains his climate change action plans at all his New Hampshire appearances. He will be at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds in Contoocook, NH on July 7th along with two other republican candidates (for July 7th information click here).
