On April 25th, YCCD hosted a trap shoot event with leaders of the Utah College Republicans and Young Republicans, along with Congressman John Curtis (R-UT). Congressman Curtis is a BYU alum, the former mayor of Provo, and now represents Utah’s 3rd congressional district — the youngest district, by average constituent age, in the country.

Congressman Curtis has emerged as a national leader on conservative environmental solutions. Among other accomplishments, he is the founder and chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, which launched in 2021 and already includes more than a third of House Republicans as members.

Under his leadership, the Caucus is rightly focused on the following principles:

“Private sector innovation, American resources, and R&D investment have resulted in lower emissions and affordable energy, placing the United States as the global leader in reducing emissions
Climate change is a global issue and China is the greatest immediate obstacle to reducing world emissions. Solutions should reduce global emissions and not just be “feel good” policies.”

In line with these principles, the group spoke with the Congressman about the importance of holding major foreign emitters accountable for their emissions, including with tools like a border carbon adjustment. The idea is gaining steam among Republicans, and would compel other countries — including China, Russia, and India — to clean up their acts. Given we produce energy and manufacture products much cleaner here in the US, this approach would have the added benefit of bringing jobs and economic opportunity back to American shores.

In addition, the group discussed how environmental leadership is a top priority for the next generation of young Republicans, and also one of the most effective ways to grow and strengthen the conservative movement.

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