Power Map Unleashing America's Natural Resources with Bruce Westerman | Power Map
Apr 9, 2025
In a riveting conversation, Bruce Westerman, the only forester in the U.S. Congress and Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, dives into the balancing act of energy policy and conservation. He discusses the urgent need for permitting reform to keep pace with rising electricity demands, especially in the tech sector. Westerman highlights the historical connection between conservatism and conservation and suggests innovative methods to assess America's natural resources. He emphasizes the significance of local resource development for national security.
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Westerman's Conservation Roots
- Bruce Westerman shared his upbringing in rural Arkansas where love for outdoors and conservation was ingrained.
- He pursued forestry in graduate school at Yale, realizing that what he saw growing up was conservation.
Conservation and Conservatism Link
- Conservation is deeply tied to conservative principles and history in the U.S., with leaders like Teddy Roosevelt as pioneers.
- Stewardship means using resources without wasting them, honoring obligations to past and future generations.
Nature Is Dynamic, Policy Isn't
- Nature is dynamic and constantly changing but policy often treats it as static, causing poor conservation outcomes.
- Active management and adapting to natural changes is essential to avoid problems like catastrophic wildfires.