Republicans as conservationists

by Ira Yates, REP member in Texas
published in the Austin American Statesman, December 27, 2007

Re: Dec. 17 article “Local lawmakers diverge on climate change.”

Jason Embry aptly describes the environmental dilemma facing Central Texans and all Americans. With the future characterized as Republicans versus Democrats, the environment loses - and we all lose.

Republicans and Democrats are good at many things, but both parties must do a better job of working together for a clean environment.

Many environmentally concerned Republicans are ready to abandon the party because it does not represent their environmental views. Republicans for Environmental Protection is working to reform the party from within and return to a core value of Theodore Roosevelt: Conservation is Conservative.

The Republican Party, with its “can-do” attitude, will excel in environmental protection when it sets environmental priorities.

Science observes what is going on and will not save us from peril. We must work together to save ourselves.

Republicans must be an important part of this process.