I want to thank the National Center for Policy Analysis for sponsoring today's program. I think it is very important that on today's Earth Day, we take the opportunity to look at the overriding principles behind our environmental regulatory programs. I've served in lots of capacities that caused me to step back and think about what our environmental policies ought to be. I believe that it is time for some drastic changes in the way in which we approach environmental decision-making. There are tremendous opportunities available for conservatives to deal more effectively with environmental issues, and potentially disastrous consequences, if we do not do so.
Conservatives are at a critical point in developing a strategy on environmental issues.
Conservatives have become gun shy. Too many cede the moral high ground to those who advocate the government solutions. Too many would rather change the subject away from environmental issues, than focus on a constructive alternatives that we have to offer. As a state official, I believe very strongly in local solutions, and was pleased today to be talking about the issue of community solutions. Unfortunately, the environmental movement has too often departed from that approach.