Last week, ConservAmerica proudly co-sponsored a free webinar moderated by Daniel Fiorino, Director of American University’s Center for Environmental Policy. It discussed the environmental attitudes of Americans living in rural communities, including stewardship, conservation, and regulations.
At the heart of the webinar was a recent report from researchers at Duke University’s Nicholas School for the Environment, entitled “Understanding Rural Attitudes Toward the Environment and Conservation in America.” One of the report’s co-authors, Robert Bonnie, was on hand to introduce their findings culled from interviews and focus groups with rural stakeholders. He stressed that while there is indeed a rural/urban divide on environmental issues, it’s not about who cares more for the environment.
“On the one hand, you have voters that very much view themselves as conservationists—they care about the environment—on the other hand, they voice these concerns about environmental memos,” Bonnie said. “It is entirely consistent for these voters to view themselves as pro-environment but at the same time be very concerned about federal environmental laws.”
The report found that rural voters are knowledgeable about environmental policies, but they tend to have a preference for policies overseen by state or local government as there can be skepticism and a lack of trust of outsiders. Still, he concluded that there are many opportunities to work with rural stakeholders—but the key is authentic engagement and collaboration.
Erin Fitzgerald, whose background is in dairy and serves as CEO of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, echoed the need to engage with rural citizens directly and respectfully. They are often alarmed by sweeping criticisms of agriculture and therefore being included in the conversation is critical.
“If you’re part of that, and there is a sense of place and pride for generations, and someone’s telling you everything you’ve done is broken,” she explained, “it doesn’t play well.”
To alleviate such concerns, she suggested that policymakers and advocates must “get our boots dirty” to work with farmers and ranchers on a daily basis and focus on sustainability as an economic case and sound business model. It’s hard work, but she believes it can be rewarding.
“I work with farmers, so I will tell you that the values are there. And that’s what gets me really excited in thinking about people-based change,” she continued. “[They] care about stewardship; it’s innate in their values. They will use the language ‘I want to leave the land better for the next generation.’”
ConservAmerica’s own General Counsel, Brent Fewell, who just penned an op-ed on the same topic, weighed in on the issue of rural attitudes toward climate change.
“People don’t like to be told what to do. So, collaboration is better than coercion,” he said. “Even the smallest regulations can have a big impact on the way of life in these small towns. And they often feel decisions impacting their lives are made without any input or regard for economic impacts.”
“People are willing to accept the decisions of public officials if they trust the decision-maker and understand the science underlying those decisions,” he added.
All of the panelists emphasized the need to lead with the science, but Fewell had a word of caution.
“Climate scientists are losing the scientific objectivity and moving more into policy advocates. And I think that is where scientists really risk losing credibility,” he said.
William K. Reilly, former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), discussed his interactions with rural stakeholders over the years and reiterated that they can be a great resource because they “have much more knowledge specifically of nature and of the environment” than urban residents.
Overall, the panelists stressed how rural Americans want to ensure the sacrifices they are being asked to make are not only good for the public but also good for them. It’s essential that we relate the regulations directly to those that are being impacted.
If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording of it here.