Preserving Our Legacy: David Jenkins on Conservative Environmentalism

In this episode of the Green Tea Party radio show, hosts Zach Torpie and Katie Zakrzewski, along with their guest David Jenkins, President of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, dive into a fascinating conversation about conservative solutions to environmental problems.

David Jenkins shares his journey as a lifelong conservative and environmentalist. His love for the great outdoors and passion for responsible stewardship of nature's wonders resonate deeply with his conservative values. He recalls, “I grew up hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great American wilderness, which has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.”

David has worked for CRS, or its predecessor organization REP America (REP), since 2005. For much of that time he served as Vice President for Government & Political Affairs for REP. He has been instrumental in numerous organizational and legislative accomplishments. David has written and spoken extensively about many of today’s most pressing environmental issues, conservatism, our nation’s conservation heritage and American politics.  His writing has appeared in dozens of newspapers and other publications. Prior to CRS and REP, David was the American Canoe Association’s Director of Conservation and Public Policy for 10 years, and before that was on the legislative staff for Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM). He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Furman University. (Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship)

The conversation takes an intriguing turn when discussing the shift in conservative engagement with environmental issues. Jenkins observes, "In the 1980s, plenty of conservatives, including hunters and hikers, cared passionately about the environment. Only more recently, these issues are being put on the back burner, influenced heavily by disinformation from special interests."

This observation opens the door to a critical discussion about the historical roots of environmental stewardship within conservative ideology. Jenkins highlights a forgotten truth: “All of our landmark environmental laws – Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act – are Republican ideas and passed by huge Republican majorities.”

The show underscores the need for conservatives to reclaim their role in environmental advocacy. Jenkins argues, “It's actually acting against self-interest if you don't care about these issues.” He emphasizes the importance of conservative engagement, stating, “If we cede issues like climate change to the left, we have to live with their solutions. We need conservative solutions to these problems.”

In a powerful call to action, Jenkins encourages listeners to educate themselves and engage in advocacy. His book recommendation, The Conservative Mind by Russell Kirk, serves as a foundational text for understanding true conservative values and their alignment with environmental stewardship. You can read it for free at the Kirk Center website. 

As the hosts conclude, they offer practical steps for listeners to get involved, like writing to members of Congress and educating oneself on key issues. This episode of the Green Tea Party radio not only provides a fresh perspective on environmental issues but also empowers listeners to take meaningful action, bridging the gap between conservative values and environmental activism.

This episode of the Green Tea Party radio is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of conservatism and environmentalism. It challenges preconceived notions and opens up a dialogue for new, responsible ways to approach environmental stewardship. Tune in to discover how conservative values can lead the way in protecting our planet for future generations.