Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship President David Jenkins examines the “drill, baby, drill” slogan and why it doesn’t fully reflect today’s energy and economic realities. While often used to argue for expanded fossil fuel production, the issue is more complex, shaped by global markets, infrastructure limits, and changing energy demand. The op-ed also highlights the growing role of cleaner, competitive energy sources and why long-term energy security requires practical, forward-looking solutions rather than slogans. Read more here:...
Every year, Earth Day puts a spotlight on the environment. There are a lot of conversations and a lot of messaging, but at its core, the idea is simple: We are responsible for what we have been given. At Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship (CRS), that belief drives everything we do. Stewardship is not a trend or a talking point. It is a responsibility that comes with using and benefiting from our natural resources. Ronald Reagan once described Earth as “this magical planet of ours.” That mindset matters. When you recognize the value of something, you are more likely to take care of it. Not out of obligation, but out of respect. The Risk of Short-Term Thinking History has made it clear that resources are not unlimited. Theodore Roosevelt warned, “We are prone to speak of the resources of this country as inexhaustible; this is not so.” That reminder still matters today. When decisions are made with only the short term in mind, the long-term consequences do not disappear. They grow. Stewardship Means Balance Taking care of the environment does not mean shutting down growth. It means being smart about how we grow. It means:• Using resources responsibly• Making sure impact and accountability go hand in hand• Protecting what cannot easily be replaced As Barry Goldwater said, “We must not allow our natural resources to be destroyed.” That is not a complicated idea. It is a practical one. What This Looks Like in Practice Stewardship shows up in real ways. It means making sure taxpayers are not left covering environmental costs they did not create. It means protecting land, water,...
Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship is featured in a Kiowa County Press report examining concerns over a proposed rollback of federal oil and gas bonding rules managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The article explains that current bonding requirements are meant to ensure energy companies set aside enough money to properly plug wells and restore drilling sites once production ends. Without strong bonding rules, cleanup costs from abandoned or “orphaned” wells can fall to taxpayers instead of industry. CRS raises concerns that weakening these requirements could significantly increase public liability for cleanup, with estimates in the report suggesting potential taxpayer exposure in the hundreds of billions over time. The coverage highlights ongoing debate over how to balance energy development on public lands with long-term environmental and financial responsibility. Read the full article here:...
If you live in a rural or Western state, this issue probably feels personal. Vehicle encounters with deer, elk, or other wildlife on the road aren’t rare and when they happen, the consequences can be serious or even deadly for drivers and passengers, not to mention the animals themselves. Every year, wildlife-vehicle collisions injure thousands of Americans and kill millions of animals. The costs of these crashes don’t stop there; car repairs are expensive, insurance premiums rise, and emergency responses are costing taxpayers millions. The good news is that many of these accidents are preventable. A Solution That Works Wildlife crossings, overpasses, underpasses, and strategic fencing aren’t experimental ideas. They’re proven infrastructure solutions already saving lives across the country. When placed correctly, wildlife crossings can reduce collisions by up to 97 percent. That means safer roads for families, fewer emergency calls in rural areas, less vehicle damage, and healthier wildlife populations that can move safely across the landscape. It’s a practical approach that protects people and respects the land without new mandates or unnecessary red tape. Why Action Is Needed Now The federal Wildlife Road Crossings Program is set to expire this year. If Congress doesn’t act, ongoing and planned projects in Montana, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and communities across the country could be delayed or abandoned. States, Tribes, and local governments need certainty in order to plan and complete these multi-year safety projects. Permanently authorizing this program would provide that stability, ensuring communities can follow through on solutions that are already working. Bipartisan Leadership, Commonsense Results H.R. 6078 is led by U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R–MT) and U.S. Representative Don...
Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship is featured in a report from Aspen Public Radio covering concerns about a proposed federal policy change involving oil and gas development on public lands. The piece focuses on a proposed rollback of a Bureau of Land Management rule that requires energy companies to set aside funds to properly clean up wells and restore drilling sites after production ends. CRS warns that weakening those requirements could shift significant cleanup costs onto taxpayers, with potential liabilities reaching into the billions. The discussion highlights a broader issue in public lands management: ensuring companies, rather than taxpayers, are responsible for plugging abandoned wells and restoring impacted land. Read the full article here:...
