I’m a Christian, a husband, a father, a firefighter, and a lifelong Alabama conservative. I also love to hunt and fish and spend whatever spare time I have outdoors, and I choose to call Guntersville, Ala., home because of the outdoor diversity. 

These outdoor interests, however, have made me realize that one of the things “conservative” politicians get wrong is the environment. I’m not talking about solar farms, electric cars, or windmills. I’m talking about protecting our rivers, soil and air from industries that choose to pollute. 

Recently, I planned to spend my day off engaged in hunting; instead, I spent it in the concrete jungle of Montgomery trying to protect the future of outdoor recreation in our state. I sought to offer a true conservative viewpoint on SB71 and its companion HB162. The bill was being voted on by the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, which only allowed three people to speak. I wasn’t one of them.

Alabama’s hunting and fishing industry supports more than 25,000 jobs in our state. Yet it seems our politicians would rather see economic growth from the highest bidder instead of working to protect our environment and focus on our 3-billion-dollar hunting and fishing industry.

Every true outdoorsman that I know wants our lands and waters protected. It’s the only way to continue our way of life and to see our kids and grandkids get to enjoy it. Sadly, our politicians are pushing SB71/HB162, which will take away Alabama’s right to create environmental protections that go beyond federal guidelines. As the bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva), said, if Alabama wants something changed after the passage of this bill, we’ll have to reach out to the feds. If you’ve ever tried to reach out to any government agencies for help, you know how much of a train wreck it can be.   

The new bill claims that if the state proposes an environmental regulation where a federal one does not exist, it must be based on the “best available science.” We’ve heard that before. Anyone remember the so-called “science” from Dr. Fauci and COVID? This bill follows the same playbook by excluding and censoring science that doesn’t fit the agenda of those in power. I hope we aren’t too blind to think our side wouldn’t use science against us. Sadly, like most things in life, science can be manipulated by the man writing the check.

During the hearing, I watched Democrats in the room ask questions and express concerns. Not a single Republican asked a question! While talking with one of the legislators after the committee meeting, I heard Committee Chairman Danny Crawford (R-Athens) say, “I’m just glad none of our guys started asking questions.” This should concern anyone who votes! Apparently, it’s not a good thing to ask questions? To make things worse, Crawford is also a member of the Alabama Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus. 

As a Christian, conservative, avid sportsman, and lifelong Alabamian, I beg you to contact your House members immediately. Do this for you, for your neighbor, and for our future generation! Demand more from our politicians! WE DARE DEFEND OUR RIGHTS!

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].

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