Conservation is a conservative value, but balance economics
Our Republican Party's Commitment to Conservation: Conservation is a conservative value. As the pioneer of conservation over a century ago, the Republican Party believes in the moral obligation of the people to be good stewards of the God-given natural
beauty and resources of our country and bases environmental policy on several common-sense principles. For example, we believe people are the most valuable resource, and human health and safety are the most important measurements of success.
A policy protecting these objectives, however, must balance economic development and private property rights in the short run with conservation goals over the long run.
Also, public access to public lands for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting should be permitted on all appropriate federal lands.
Private property ownership key to environmental agenda
Republicans know that economic prosperity is essential to environmental progress. We link the security of private property to our environmental agenda because environmental stewardship has been best advanced where property is privately held. People who
own the land also protect it. Republicans will safeguard private property rights by enforcing the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment and by providing just compensation whenever private property is needed to achieve a compelling public purpose.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 69-70
, Sep 1, 2004
Cap-and-trade market-based air pollution reductions
We support President Bush’s Clear Skies proposal to reduce power plant emissions. Clear Skies, through a proven cap-and-trade system, will reduce by 70% emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. The market-based policies in
Clear Skies will help states meet new, more stringent standards to protect public health. The plan also provides regulatory certainty, enabling power plants to install state-of-the-art pollution control technologies.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 70
, Sep 1, 2004
Encourage market-based solutions to environmental problems
Economic prosperity and environmental protection must advance together.
Environmental regulations should be based on science.
The government’s role should be to provide market-based incentives to develop the technologies
to meet environmental standards.
We should ensure that environmental policy meets the needs of localities.
Environmental policy should focus on achieving results processes.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
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