Utah College Republicans: The GOP needs a national climate strategy

Utah College Republican leaders from across the state just joined forces to publish an excellent op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune.

In their words:

“College Republican chapters across the country are on the frontlines of recruiting the next generation of conservatives, and we see how the party’s record on climate has become a challenge on campus. National polling confirms this shift. Nearly 70% of GOP voters under 40 are concerned that the party’s stance on climate change is hurting its image with younger voters, a recent Luntz Group poll found. Unless there’s a course correction, this spells trouble for the GOP.”

As the authors of the op-ed (listed below) outline, without an affirmative strategy of climate, the GOP risks ceding the debate to proponents of the Green New Deal. This is why Republicans need to lead with a free-market climate solution of our own, and the carbon dividends plan is the best path forward:

If Republicans fail to seize control of the climate issue, the Green New Deal looms as a major threat to businesses, job creation and Americans’ way of life. This ill-conceived plan would require trillions of dollars in new federal spending, cost American jobs and invite a massive increase in government power.

Fortunately, some Republicans are showing leadership and fresh thinking on the issue. This summer, Senator Mitt Romney floated a carbon dividends approach to addressing climate change. This solution, known as the Baker-Shultz Carbon Dividends Plan, has won the support of College Republican leaders from across the country, including all five of us.

Here is the full op-ed. A highly-recommended read.

Thanks to Hunter Thomas, chairman of the Brigham Young University College Republicans, Augusta Scott, chairwoman of the Utah State University College Republicans, Grayson Massey, chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans (’17-’19), Abe Vazquez, chairman of the Weber State College Republicans; and Madison Hufford, co-Chairwoman of the Southern Utah University College Republicans, for their leadership on this important topic.