Yes, at least according to the group Republicans for Environmental Protection . The organization has launched a new campaign entitled "What Would Reagan Do About Climate Change?" which seeks to link Reagan's legacy of conservatism with an ethos of environmental stewardship and positive action on climate change. And while those on the left might be going apoplectic right now from the idea that the guy who hired James Watt as Interior secretary could even remotely be considered an environmentalist, the group insists Reagan would be tackling climate change head-on. From the release:
Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP), a national grassroots organization, announces the launch of its "What Would Reagan Do" radio ad campaign. The campaign started running in New Hampshire today - with other states to follow in the coming weeks. The ads, which include clips from Ronald Reagan's speeches, honor the former president's memory as a conservationist and remind listeners that good environmental stewardship, including action to address climate change, is consistent with true conservative values.
"With talk radio personalities constantly peddling an anti-stewardship message under the guise of conservatism, it is a good time for a reminder about President Reagan's legacy as a good steward of our environment," David Jenkins, REP's vice president for government and political affairs, said.
"We especially want people to remember Reagan's leadership in negotiating the Montreal Protocol treaty, which began the phase-out of ozone depleting chemicals and has done more to safeguard the earth's atmosphere than any other law or treaty ever passed," Jim DiPeso, REP's vice president for policy and communication, said. "Too often, Reagan is not remembered for his environmental accomplishments. The political left refuses to give him the credit that he deserves, while some on the right ignore his environmental legacy because it doesn't fit with the image of Reagan that they cultivate to support their own agendas," Jenkins said.
It's certainly a provocative argument. So was the Gipper also a Greenie?
