The Republican National Convention is underway in Milwaukee. While climate change has traditionally been a low priority for the party, young conservatives are pushing for a shift in the narrative. For the first time, environmental stewardship made an appearance at the RNC. The American Conservation Coalition (ACC), a group of young conservatives, flew to Milwaukee for a week of dialogues on climate, conservation, and energy.
They aimed to win the delegates’ support, even as their party nominated former President Donald Trump, who has often dismissed the full effects of human-caused climate change. For years, the Republican Party has been labeled as dismissive of climate science and global warming urgency,” said Aidan Shank from ACC. “But the word ‘Conservative’ is in ‘conservation.'”
The ACC’s presence as an RNC sponsor marked a significant milestone for the group, founded in 2017 during Trump’s first administration.
Stephen Perkins, Chief Operating Officer of ACC, shared his deep-rooted love for the environment from his childhood experiences of camping and fishing in Texas. Perkins argued that many policy issues are interconnected with climate change. He recounted a conversation with a young Republican more concerned about immigration than climate.
Perkins explained that climate change drives many migrants, whom he identified as climate refugees, to escape extreme weather conditions.
Young conservatives steer climate conversation
Traditionally, Republicans have prioritized fossil fuel production over environmental conservation.
However, some progress has been made on climate dialog within the party. During the first GOP debate, an ACC member asked candidates about easing fears that the GOP doesn’t care about climate, though direct answers were rare. The ACC believes that the younger generation can reframe the conversation.
They engaged visitors with stickers, fliers, and a collaborative poster at their large booth. Though there was occasional pushback—especially from those like an oil lobbyist denying climate change—empathetic conversations remained crucial. Raised in the outdoors and aware of the nonpartisan nature of environmental issues, Danielle Butcher Franz, CEO of ACC, noticed a trend among her peers: many conservatives feel conflicted due to ecological concerns.
“On the right, there’s skepticism. People wonder if we’re genuinely conservative or just pushing big government solutions,” she noted. “It’s frustrating to dispel myths about Republicans’ interest in climate constantly.”
As the convention continues, young conservatives are determined to bring environmental concerns into the Republican dialogue, arguing that addressing climate change can align with conservative values and secure the youth vote for the party’s future.
