Our Mission: ACC’s mission is to build the conservative environmental movement.
Our Vision: We envision a cleaner, more prosperous world that fosters collaboration in the pursuit of environmental conservation.
The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing young people around environmental action through common-sense, pro-innovation, and limited-government principles. ACC was founded in 2017 by a group of young conservatives who wanted to fill the ideological gap in the environmental movement that was preventing effective, durable action.
We believe economic and environmental success go hand-in-hand and that everyone should feel empowered to take a seat at the table in discussions concerning conservation, clean energy, sportsmen’s rights, agriculture, climate, and more. ACC activates young people who are tired of shying away from their values with the tools to leave a conservation legacy in their communities.
The Conservative Approach Our Principles
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Conservation
Nature provides the resources we need to survive and enriches our lives with beauty. We should foster a culture of stewardship that ensures long-term environmental sustainability.
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Natural Heritage
America’s diverse natural landscapes are part of our shared heritage and national identity. We have a duty to protect this gift for future generations of Americans.
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Localism
Conservation starts locally. Local attachments inspire us to care for the environment and local knowledge is an integral part of successful environmental stewardship.
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Capitalism
Economic prosperity and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand. Strong property rights, competitive markets, and trade, coupled with a culture of environmental stewardship, produce the best environmental outcomes. Economic freedom creates prosperity and gives people the resources and tools they need to care for the environment.
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Innovation
Humans find creative solutions to complex problems. It’s in our nature. Innovation allows us to do more with less, which is key to a sustainable and prosperous future.
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Balance
Individuals, businesses, and governments each have a role in caring for the environment. Every solution or policy has trade-offs. Complex challenges require balanced and cooperative responses—no single institution can meet them alone.
FOUNDER’S NOTE
The American Conservation Coalition was born out of one simple idea: that environmental advocacy and conservative values aren’t mutually exclusive — in fact, they’re deeply aligned. In 2017, our founder, Benji Backer, helped spark a national conversation about what common-sense conservation could look like for a new generation. That early vision laid the groundwork for the organization we are today: one rooted in principle, powered by young leaders, and focused on preserving what we love for those who come next.
A History of Conservative Environmentalism Where We Come From
Birth of Conservation: President Grant's Vision
In the late 1800s, President Ulysses S. Grant took a monumental step, establishing the first national park—Yellowstone. This historic move laid the foundation for the conservation efforts that would shape the future of America's natural landscapes.
Teddy's Conservation Legacy Grows
Building on Grant's initiative, President Theodore Roosevelt significantly expanded the National Parks Service, doubling its size, and protected 230 million acres of forest. Teddy's passion for preserving the nation's wilderness left an indelible mark on conservation history.
Environmental Protection Era: Nixon and the EPA
In 1970, President Richard Nixon responded to the growing environmental concerns of the era by creating the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between conservatism & environmental responsibility.
Reagan's Global Environmental Commitment
President Ronald Reagan played an underappreciated role in global environmental efforts by supporting the Montreal Protocol in 1987. This international agreement aimed to protect the ozone layer, showcasing a conservative leader's commitment to global environmental stewardship.
HW Bush's Air Purity Pledge
President George H.W. Bush strengthened the nation's commitment to clean air with the Clean Air Act amendments in 1990. This legislation underscored the conservative approach to balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
A National Youth Movement Emerges
A direct response to the firestorm of the 2016 election, young conservatives led by Benji Backer founded the American Conservation Coalition on a mission to change the narrative by restoring the conservation values conservatives have cherished for decades.
A Trump Era Triumph: Great American Outdoors Act
In 2020, Congress, led by Republican Senators Cory Gardner and Steve Daines, passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which was later signed by President Trump. This landmark legislation provided unprecedented funding for national parks and public lands, demonstrating a commitment to conservation within the conservative agenda.
The Rise of the Conservative Climate Caucus
Representative John Curtis (R UT 03) spearheaded the formation of the Conservative Climate Caucus in 2021, showcasing a modern conservative approach to addressing climate change. This initiative reflects a growing recognition within conservative circles of the importance of environmental stewardship in the 21st century.
Climate Change on the Republican Presidential Debate Stage
ACC member Alex Diaz asked Republican candidates at the first Republican presidential debate: “As president of the United States, how will you soothe young people’s fears that conservatives don’t care about climate change.”
ACC Elevates Conservation as Title Sponsor at the RNC
ACC helped put conservation and energy front and center at the 2024 Republican National Convention, serving as a title sponsor and hosting a high-profile reception at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes with leaders from the Conservative Climate Caucus.
We are young Americans standing up for action over activism.
We need people like you
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A Bit More About
The American Conservation Coalition
The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing young people around environmental action through common-sense, pro-innovation, and limited-government principles. ACC was founded in 2017 by a group of young conservatives who wanted to fill the ideological gap in the environmental movement that was preventing effective, durable action.
We believe economic and environmental success go hand-in-hand and that everyone should feel empowered to take a seat at the table in discussions concerning conservation, clean energy, sportsmen’s rights, agriculture, climate, and more. ACC empowers young people who are tired of partisan inaction and equips them to leave a legacy rooted in effective environmental action.