TAKE THE POLL: CLICK HERE
This article was originally published by Million Voices.
Nature is Nonpartisan (NINP), a pro-common sense environmental policy group, launched Thursday in possibly the coolest place any geographer could think to choose: the geographical center of America!
Protection of America’s myriad natural habitats is arguably one of the most co-opted, biased areas of modern policy. Despite the massive commonalities between liberal environmentalists and conservative patriots, most of whom hunt and respect the magnificent landscapes our nation has to offer, little discourse between these diverse groups has led to a near standstill on understanding how best to shepherd our natural world into a sustainable future — by the literal definition of “sustainable,” not the also co-opted term used by environmental extremists.
“We are redefining the environment as a nonpartisan issue in America once and for all,” NINP Founder and CEO Benji Becker said in a statement shared with Million Voices. ““Americans are sick of the loudest, most extreme voices controlling the environmental movement. At Nature Is Nonpartisan, we are building the future of nature in a way that truly transcends the divisiveness of modern politics and unites Americans around our shared love of nature.”
Geographical Center of American Minds?
NINP asked Americans from all walks of life to join them in the geographic center of America, Belle Fourche, South Dakota. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden attended the launch, where he signed an executive proclamation establishing a “Nature is Nonpartisan Week” for state residents.
Independent journalist Chrissy Clark and influencers Amir Odom, Kristy Drutman and Oleysa Rulin championed the movement, suggesting that nature is still a key issue for young people. (TAKE A POLL: Are You Scared of Extreme Weather Events?)
What was most surprising is the ideological diversity on NINP’s board. The Board of Directors includes former Secretary for the Interior David Bernhardt, who served under the first Trump Administration. He sits alongside former Sierra Club CEO Michael Brune, PayPal co-founder Jack Selby, Environmental Media Association CEO Debbie Levin. Seeing such different people come together under a common cause should give us all pause for celebration.
Surprising Stats
Statistics shared on the NINP website reveal that 95% of voters “say that protecting our nation’s lakes, streams and rivers is important to them.” A further 93% say that clean energy is a crucial part of the country’s future, despite there still being significant limitations that render most forms of “clean” energy dependent on massive amounts of fossil fuel use for their creation and production of their “clean” energy.
A slightly lower number, just 88% want to “prioritize sustainable agriculture to ensure healthy food is available for every generation,” and 82% “support the idea of increased federal investment to proactively reduce the threat and intensity of future wildfires.”
Christ calls us to be shepherds to mother Earth and the natural world around us. Without proper environmental management, we cannot eat or drink; our children may never see the beauty that God gifted us on this planet. You can learn more about Nature is Nonpartisan by clicking here.
How Do You Feel?
Take action by using your voice today. Did you know that lawmakers, business leaders, and even public servants use polling data to inform their policies and practices? These might seem like simple questions, but answering them can have far-reaching impacts on the world around you.
Don’t let your voice be lost in the ether of the Internet! Take control and take back your power today by signing up to take a poll — take all of them if you like!