At Fort Pulaski, less than 15 miles from Savannah, sea level has risen seven inches since 2010, one of the fastest rates of rising seas in the country. That sea level rise also brings saltwater intrusion into water wells on the coastal plain, affecting homeowners and farmers alike. Because of climate change, the Southeast is also more prone to dangerous heat waves, extreme weather, and risks to agriculture.
Yes, I said climate change. And yes, as a conservative, I think there’s something that we can do about it, with Georgia leading the way.
For too long, Americans have been told that we have to make a choice between the economy and the environment, but that is a false choice. The reality is that innovations and technology that improve the environment can be a boon to the economy. The $7.6 billion Hyundai EV and EV-hybrid plant is an example of that. It’s the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history and will return benefits to all Georgians. In fact, the Center for Automotive Research says the company’s total investment in the state will create 40,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate $4.6 billion in individual earnings annually.
Why did Hyundai decide to site their investment here? The company’s executives read the market signals, saw the welcoming landscape, and jumped. We should applaud these clean energy investments.
Energy optimists and climate realists on the “EcoRight,” a balance to the “Environmental Left,” are vital to the development of clean energy policies that grow our local and state economies, just like what the Hyundai plant is doing. The EcoRight believes in the power of American free enterprise and innovation to solve climate change. Together, we encourage, embolden, and applaud conservative climate leadership. We are also critical to de-politicizing the Environmental Left’s hold on climate change solutions. Nobody should sacrifice their conservative values to protect the environment and our future. Our conservative values are not only part of our identity, they are key to effective climate solutions.