Every week, Virginia’s 1st Congressional District Progressives poses a question to the Democratic candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives (VA-01). This week’s question: “If the Blue Wave is not a Tsunami, how will you sell your GOP colleagues on the value of keeping this planet habitable by our species?
I am of the firm belief that the "survival of the species" argument is a non-starter on Capitol Hill. Between climate change deniers, energy and chemical company lobbyists and their campaign contributions, the obvious argument of "survival of the species" falls on deaf and apathetic ears.
Our approach to creating broad coalitions across party lines must change when it comes to issues like the environment. It's time we start talking to each other in terms and in ways that both sides understand and consider important.
That's why my environmental position is simple: environmental protection is economic protection. The 1st District is home to over one-half million acres of agriculture. To damage our environment is to destroy the livelihoods of untold thousands of families. The same is true in red and blue districts across this country. I know both Republicans and Democrats alike in the 1st District have embraced this approach to environmental protection and sustainability. And I know there are common sense Republicans who will listen to this approach and join efforts to reinstate environmental protections.
Let me be clear: not for one minute do I think that corporate greed should determine how we inhabit this planet - that's how we end up with environmental disasters. But, in our discourse on offshore drilling, fracking, deforestation and overfishing, let’s not miss the point on why this continues to happen. It comes down to economics.
Where we often diverge is how to create environmental policies that benefit the greater good. And it generally comes down to how we manage land and natural resources for human use. Policies must balance economic development with conservation goals over the long run because economic prosperity is directly tied to environmental progress. They must advance together.
In the last 30 years, we’ve seen an increase in Republicans rail against environmental protections because federal rules conflict with the needs and interests of farmers, ranchers and large property owners. The result is confusion, resentment and a backlash that threatens to rollback protections that keep our neighborhoods, businesses and kids safe. What we’re seeing today is reactionary, and it only results in short-term political gain.
Without buy-in from both sides, we fail to create long-term solutions. Victory-based policy is almost never permanent, and Americans suffer as a result. We need forward-thinking solutions to keep our environment healthy for future generations and that will get support from Republicans. That includes:
- finding a balance in enacting policies that prevent a public health crisis and takes into consideration the impact it will have on land owners;
- providing market-based incentives for companies to reduce pollution that keep our water, air and land free from harmful toxins; and
- creating cohesion between agencies and departments like the EPA and USDA to ensure that environmental policy standards meet the needs of everyone across localities.
That’s why I’m proposing we invest in agribusiness solar farms as an alternative revenue source that reduces our carbon footprint and creates jobs. I’m also committed to bringing all parties to the table by creating an inter-departmental agency between the EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish clear water regulations for farms and fisheries that also safeguard our communities.
The fight to safeguard our planet and health is not won solely in the chambers on Capitol Hill. It’s won by neighbors, teachers, business owners and everyday citizens who use grassroots efforts to influence change. As much as you’ll need me to lead the fight in Washington, I’ll need the 1st District to influence change as well. Because any failure to protect your livelihood and our planet is political malpractice.
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