For a cleaner, more prosperous world, ACC mobilizes conservatives around environmental issues, fostering collaboration in the pursuit of environmental conservation.
“My favorite spot in nature is this lake out back behind my grandparents’ old house where we would go to feed the ducks and watch the sunrise when I was growing up. It’s not marked on any map it’s just a 20-minute walk off the old neighborhood street.
Justin Hoang, Spring 2024 ACC Ambassador
I still go there sometimes when I miss them.”
Welcome
Much like a cherished lake, hidden from the maps but deeply ingrained in memory, our journey is marked by hidden treasures and profound connections. As we reflect on the first month of the year, we feel proud and humbled to lead a bold movement with so much to celebrate. This month, we’ve hit some exciting milestones that are setting the course for conservative environmentalism’s most successful year ever. As you read through this round-up, we invite you to celebrate our wins with us, face the challenges we’re tackling, and dream of a future where our planet is cleaner and more prosperous. Onward.
By The Numbers
300
19
40,000+
42%
- 300 media hits; highlights include President Chris Barnard for the Wall Street Journal and CEO Danielle Butcher Franz being interviewed by The Guardian about the growth of the conservative environmental movement.
- 19 new ambassadors, click here to get to know them more.
- Over 40,000 members started the year with ACC! Are you plugged into your ACC community?
- 42% increase in organic site traffic to our brand-new website. Thank you for being here!
This Month In Policy
NRC plans to receive 25 applications for small modular nuclear reactors in the next five years
In a meeting with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this month, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shared that it expects to receive 25 licensing applications for small modular nuclear reactors in the next five years. In addition, the agency is currently reviewing 16 license extension applications for existing nuclear plants, with “more to come.” In order to meet the demand for clean, safe, and reliable nuclear energy, the agency will need to ensure efficient and timely reviews.
NEW: Stanford Study further highlights the need for clean energy permitting reform
A recent study out of Stanford highlighted the need for further permitting reform in order to unleash clean energy in America. The researchers found that wind, transmission, pipeline, and solar projects face high levels of litigation risk which can result in major delays or cancellation of the project altogether. Similarly, findings out of the Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory this month found that the leading causes of project cancellation for wind and solar were local ordinances and zoning, grid interconnection, and community opposition.
Farmer behavior suggests a greater need for conservation programs
Conservation programs offered by the United States Department of Agriculture continue to be oversubscribed by farmers, proving that farmers want to be a part of the solution. It’s our role to make sure they have the resources and support they need to make that happen.
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On the Ground
- Our Ambassador program continues growing rapidly. After a record-breaking number of applications, we added 19 new Ambassadors, for a total of 29 across the country. These part-time leaders spearhead member recruitment and branch growth in their local communities.
- We hosted 30 grassroots events in January, recruiting new members into ACC and bringing our vision of pro-innovation, market-based environmentalism directly to college campuses and communities across the country.
On Capitol Hill & Beyond
- New year, new players. The ACC team updated their policy priorities for the 118th Congress!
On the Airwaves
- This month, climate action was the name of the game with ACC’s message hitting 300 outlets including the DC Journal, Deseret News, The Guardian, NBC, and more.
- Stephen Perkins had the opportunity to interview Will Harris, previously seen on the Joe Rogan Experience, of White Oak Pastures on the Coming Clean podcast!
- We stay memeing, but there was one (or someone) you all loved the most this month…
