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SPORTSMEN FOR CLIMATE ACTION.
We've seen business leaders, evangelicals, and politicians of all ilks coming out in favor of strong federal legislation on climate change. This week, they were joined by the nation's hunters and fishers.
Six hundred and seventy hunting and fishing organizations, representing 34 million American sportsmen (and women), put out a statement yesterday urging Congress to take action on global warming and calling for an 80 percent cut in emissions by 2050. "We who hunt and fish believe we have a moral responsibility to confront climate change in order to protect our outdoor heritage and our children’s future," the organizations wrote in a letter to Congress. The coalition even dug up David Crockett, descendant of the original Davy Crockett, for comment:
Sportsmen want America to lead on global warming solutions. We have used cap-and-trade systems -- and American ingenuity -- successfully in the past to cut pollution. Now, similar measures will not only protect our heritage, but also bring new jobs to our cities and rural communities while bolstering a stronger economy.
The sporting demographic is both very active politically and tends to vote strongly Republican. In the 2000 presidential election, 93 percent of registered hunters voted. Forty-six percent are registered Republicans, compared to just 18 percent that are registered Democrats. In my hometown, the "Sportsmen for Bush" stickers were pretty ubiquitous in 2000 and 2004. But with both the Democratic candidates putting forward climate plans in line with what the leading hunting and fishing organizations are calling for, and the Republican candidate largely absent on the issue, might progressives find inroads with the gun- and fishing-rod wielding demographic this year?
--Kate Sheppard
COMMENTS (9)
If Obama is the nominee, then maybe. If Hillary is, not a chance in hell.
Posted by: Tom | February 13, 2008 5:36 PM
It certainly looks like a wonderful wedge issue for either candidate. Imagine McCain waffling to please the sportsmen, economic fundamentalists, and end-time evangelicals. On the other hand this announcement might become the tool he uses to get close to the centrist position further legitimizing action. Either way progress is made.
Posted by: dennisS | February 13, 2008 5:42 PM
There has always been elements among hunters that are really good on environmental issues. There is the potential to build bridges there, but there are also big cultural divides between your average hunter and your average environmental activist.
Posted by: Erik Loomis | February 13, 2008 9:33 PM
As one of the hunters that stood on stage with David Crockett in DC this week, I can tell you that one of the biggest problems facing this country is framing climate change from a partisan perspective. Sportsmen are less affiliated with a certain party and more indepenendent than they're given credit for being. We'll vote for whichever candidate will do the most for wildlife.
Posted by: Matt | February 14, 2008 12:05 AM
Daviiiiiid...DAAAAAAAAvid Crockett...Naah, just doesn't have the *cahcet* of the original.
Posted by: Dean Keeton | February 14, 2008 7:29 AM
Or "cachet," as the case may be.
Posted by: Dean Keeton | February 14, 2008 7:30 AM
I work for the National Wildlife Federation. I could probably best be categorized as an environmental activist. I also attended the press conference and stood in a room full of hunters and anglers in camo.
Get this! I didn't catch on fire or explode or anything.
I like what Eric said. I just wanted to add there's more bridging than dividing happening these days, especially with global warming. I love working with the hunting and angling community because they're so--well--down to earth. (Get it?)
Oh, and to insert a shameless plug, you can find out more about the letter and the groups that signed on at www.targetglobalwarming.org.
Posted by: Kristin | February 14, 2008 12:22 PM
Happy to see the hunters and fisherfolks engaged. the enviros truly have sucked in building broad based colations for green issues over the past several decades. No genuine outreach to minorities or workers (the people most affected by pollution and other environmental woes) and little consideration of the "sportsmen".
Posted by: Rich | February 14, 2008 2:35 PM
I look forward to a follow-up press conference in which they unveil a coonskin-cap-and-trade proposal.
Posted by: Patience | February 14, 2008 2:48 PM