How many ways can we describe the “new environmentalism” we are attempting to promote?  “Contrarian” is a word that doesn’t always have positive connotations.  But to question the conventional wisdom of mainstream environmentalists is necessary.  It is impossible to adhere to the adage “question authority” - a phrase typically trumpeted by liberals - if you are too selective in what you question.

The way we see it, environmentalism, properly applied, must be willing to expose its own excess.  Environmentalists need to be willing to see where they have gone too far, where they have done more harm than good, indeed, where they may have become puppets for powerful special interests with a hidden agenda.

In that spirit, we have discovered a list of books that we believe are required reading for any committed environmentalist.  Even if you don’t accept all of what you read, the points made in these books bear serious review.

One of the biggest myths of all is that political conservatives cannot also be sincere environmentalists.  The problem with this myth is that if you believe it, you will dismiss anything conservatives have to say about the environment.  But if you don’t doubt the sincerity of conservative environmentalists, then their opinions may be of great value - because environmentalism can and should transcend political ideology, and all informed points of view are essential if we are to find the best path and the best policies.

Here they are, as recommended by the ”Conservative Bookstore“:

Goodbye Green: How Extremists Stole the Environmental Movement from Moderate America and Killed It

Hard Green: Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists

Undue Influence: Wealthy Foundations, Grant Driven Environmental Groups and Zealous Bureaucrats That Control Your Future

Clearing the Air: The Real Story of the War on Air Polution

Cutting Green Tape: Toxic Pollutants, Environmental Regulation, and the Law

The Precautionary Principle: A Critical Appraisal of Environmental Risk Assessment