Young conservatives aim to make climate action a Republican priority

Donald Trump’s second term will test the American Conservation Coalition’s ability to advance a conservative approach to climate change centered on energy innovation, deregulation and national security.

Kate Yoder reports for Grist.

In short:

The American Conservation Coalition (ACC), a youth-led conservative climate group, promotes an “America-first” climate strategy prioritizing nuclear energy, deregulation and energy dominance.
ACC has built influence in Washington, with ties to Trump’s Cabinet nominees and 60,000 members nationwide, many in key government roles.
The group seeks bipartisan collaboration but remains aligned with fossil fuel development, contrasting progressive climate agendas.

Key quote:

“We need to focus a lot more on what actually works than what sounds good, and on tangible progress than on litmus tests that just further polarize both sides.”

— Chris Barnard, president of the ACC

Why this matters:

Efforts to bridge partisan divides on climate change could help shape U.S. environmental policy. While ACC’s focus on energy innovation aligns with conservative principles, its approach may face pushback from progressives over continued fossil fuel reliance.

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Young conservatives aim to make climate action a Republican priority

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