Cory Morgan: Like Roosevelt’s Conservation Efforts, Smith’s New Rules for Renewables Put Environment First

Commentary At the turn of the 19th century, the Wild West still existed in North America as developments and settlements expanded with little to no regulation, planning, or guidance. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt recognized the risk in allowing unfettered development expansion across pristine lands as it would rob future generations of the ability to enjoy them. During his term in office between 1901 and 1909 he established five new National Parks, 18 new U.S. National Monuments, 51 bird reserves, four game preserves, and 150 National Forests. In total, Roosevelt put an astonishing 230 million acres of land under public protection. Roosevelt was a Republican and faced heavy opposition from lobbyists, business interests, and factions within his own party as he established order on Western development. He used executive orders without apology to get the job done quickly. Were it not for Roosevelt’s vision, the United States would look much different today, and not for the better. Thanks to him, one can travel throughout a developed nation with a population of hundreds of millions yet never be far away from protected lands that can be visited and responsibly enjoyed....