Green Conservatism - Newt Gingrich Discusses Environmental Issues

In a recent debate with Senator John Kerry, former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich spoke about the need for what he refers to as a "Green Conservative" movement in the Republican Party. He spoke at length about his parties concern for the environment and ways they can help improve stewardship of the Earth, and still stay true to conservative values of lower taxes and less government control.

While Democrats have consistently painted themselves as being more concerned about the environment than Republicans, nothing could be further from the truth. Where the conservative movement has fallen short is allowing the liberals to monopolize the conversation. The Republicans have not set forth a clear conservative environmental policy.

Like many issues our politicians wrestle with, both side agree that something needs to be done to improve the way we are treating the planet, the differences in opinion are about what needs to be done, and how to do it. It is further disagreements on more government regulation vs. free market forces.

Republicans need to reinforce the idea that there is not a conflict between capitalism and environmentalism. In fact, when provided with the proper incentives, the free market system has shown itself to be quite innovative. Mr. Gingrich cautions that we shouldn't use conservationism as an excuse to expand government regulation and legislation.

Gingrich pointed out that the Republican Party has a history of conservationism. He quoted Republican President Theodore Roosevelt who said "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."

Core Values of Green Conservatism

In Gingrich's view, Green Conservatism is based on 7 Core Values. Any policies and programs developed by the Republican Party should remain true to these principles.

1.) Green Conservatism favors clean air and water.

2.) Green Conservatism understands biodiversity as a positive good.

3.) Green Conservatism favors minimizing carbon loading in the atmosphere as a positive public value

4.) Green Conservatism is pro-science, pro-technology, and pro-innovation

5.) Green Conservatism believes that green prosperity and green development are integral to the successful future of the human race

6.) Green Conservatism believes that economic growth and environmental health are compatible in both the developed and developing world

7.) Green Conservatism believes that we can realize more positive environmental outcomes faster by shifting tax code incentives and shifting market behavior than is possible from litigation and regulation.

While the former Speaker did not provide a great deal of detail on specific goals, or how to accomplish them, he did lay out the framework for possible future efforts by the Republican Party. He was very clear about the fact that America must develop not only an environmental policy, but also an energy policy. We must become more less dependent on foreign oil, especially from countries ruled by dictators.

He also reinforced the idea that any policy must provide for a cleaner, healthier future for everyone, without impairing the countries ability to effectively compete in a global marketplace. It does not have to be an either/or discussion. We can have a healthier environment, and still compete economically.

A couple of areas that were mentioned specifically were about incentives the government could provide to encourage the private sector to increase the amount of research they are doing. Mr. Gingrich suggested that more prizes and incentives could be offered to encourage innovation and research in the areas of environmental conservation and alternative fuel research. By decreasing the financial risks and increasing the possibility of future profits, companies would be more willing to commit their resources to addressing these problems.

Gingrich also suggested increased tax credits to companies that voluntarily reduce carbon emissions. While many cringe at the talk of more corporate tax reductions, companies are more willing to comply with stricter standards if there is a reduction in the cost of compliance. If the costs of new environmental standards are too high, the companies will relocate to areas that don't have such strict standards.

While this was not intended to be a policy statement, it does lay the groundwork for future discussions, and it does address the misrepresentation of the Republican Party as being out of touch on environmental and conservation issues. As the presidential campaigns heat up over the next year, the debate should be interesting to watch.