Republicans for Environmental Protection endorses Rick Snyder in gubernatorial primary race

By Ryan J. Stanton Political Reporter

Posted on Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.

The Michigan Chapter of Republicans for Environmental Protection today announced its endorsement of Rick Snyder for governor.

The group called Snyder, the self-professed "tough nerd" from Ann Arbor, the only GOP candidate with both commonsense solutions to Michigan’s problems and a dedication to protecting the state’s natural resources.

Rick Snyder told an Ann Arbor crowd earlier this year that he considers himself a "good green Republican," a message that led to his latest endorsement.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

“Rick Snyder stands well above the crowded field for the Republican nomination in both his desire to protect Michigan’s natural treasures and create jobs for Michiganders,” chapter president Mark Neisler said in a statement.

“His policies on the environment are fully developed and informed by his experience as an entrepreneur and as a leader with The Nature Conservancy," he added. "It is easy to envision him picking up the mantle of William Milliken as Michigan’s next great conservation leader.”

Snyder has said former Michigan Gov. Milliken was a leader he admired. Snyder, who calls himself a "good green Republican," said Milliken worked to frame an important discussion about the environment.

One of the bullet points in Snyder's 10-point plan to reinvent Michigan includes protecting Michigan's environment. He has laid out a plan to preserve Michigan's environment and another plan to protect Michigan from invasive species.

As a native Michigander, Snyder says he knows Michigan's natural resources are some of its most valuable assets. His has stated publicly that Michigan needs to be a leader in the movement toward alternative and cleaner energy.

REP national president Rob Sisson, the former mayor of Sturgis, called Snyder the only candidate who has addressed the connection between Michigan’s environment and its struggling economy.

"Our state’s natural resources support thousands of Michigan small businesses in some of our most important industries, including tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture," Sisson said in a statement. "Protecting our natural resources strengthens our economy.”

Republicans for Environmental Protection is a national grassroots organization dedicated to restoring the GOP’s conservation tradition. For more information on the group, visit www.rep.org.