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Recent developments in the investment world have brought to light a concerning trend: the introduction of Natural Asset Companies (NACs). The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Intrinsic Exchange Group (IEG) are pushing for NACs, ostensibly as a means to fight climate change and protect biodiversity. However, there's more than meets the eye, and it's crucial to understand why NACs are sparking widespread concern and opposition. What are NACs? NACs are proposed as a new kind of investment. They aim to manage, maintain, or restore lands (both public and private) to improve ecosystems. The twist? They put a dollar value on the resulting benefits, such as clean air or wildlife habitat. The concept is being reviewed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for potential listing on the NYSE. The Controversy Surrounding NACs Ownership of Nature: One of the core criticisms of NACs is the monetization of nature – essentially putting a price tag on elements of nature that should be free and accessible to all. This concept of monetizing public lands and their "ecological performance rights" is seen by many as overreach. Property Rights and Foreign Investment Concerns: There's anxiety that NACs could lead to stringent management restrictions on public lands and open doors to foreign investment on federal lands. Critics, including conservative lawmakers and property rights advocates, worry about the implications for national sovereignty and security. Questionable Viability: Doubts have been raised about the practical viability of these investments. The concern is whether the revenue generated through NACs can truly support conservation and restoration efforts while remaining profitable for investors. Potential Impact on Land Management: NACs could significantly alter the management of millions of acres of land, possibly restricting multiple uses and recreational activities. This shift in land management philosophy is seen as a move away from local control and traditional land-use practices. Carbon Credits and Environmental Impact: The SEC suggests that NACs could monetize ecosystem services by selling carbon credits. However, the effectiveness and transparency of carbon credits have been increasingly questioned, casting doubt on the environmental benefits of this approach. National Security Risks: There's a fear that NACs could enable foreign powers, potentially adversaries, to gain control over significant land resources in the U.S. This aspect raises alarms about the potential for intelligence gathering and other security risks. Conclusion: A Call for Caution and Community The push for NACs, while packaged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly initiative, raises critical questions about land ownership, management, and the true intentions behind these companies. It's essential to scrutinize these initiatives and ensure that they don't undermine local control, property rights, or national security under the guise of environmental stewardship. At its heart, the debate over NACs is about who should manage and benefit from natural resources. As we navigate these complex issues, it's crucial to remember that the best stewards of the land are often those closest to it. Local communities, not distant investors or foreign entities, are best positioned to care for and sustainably manage these precious natural assets. The Center for Regulatory Freedom will continue to monitor these proposals and, if given the opportunity, oppose them via the regulatory process.

We Are Not Enemies is a growing movement to counter the hate and anger prevalent in our country today with forgiveness and charity. The movement seeks to accomplish this through a community of prayer formed by individuals and prayer groups alike. You can participate simply by making a prayer pledge or by providing t-shirts, billboards, pins, and more to your prayer groups and friends to spread the word. Together, we can revive faith in America through this season of forgiveness. Join today at wearenotenemies.com.

“Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) In tumultuous times such as these, when the future of our country and the world appears uncertain and neighbors are turned against one another, Christmas is a welcome and timely reminder to “be not afraid.” Amidst wars, hatred, and division, the birth of Christ is the light in the darkness that gives us reason to hope for a brighter future. We have reason to not only hope, but rejoice, with the knowledge that God sent His only Son into the world as one of us to redeem us. May we take this season of hope and joy to remember God’s love for us and in imitation of His divine example, strive to share His love with our neighbors. On behalf of the whole CPAC organization, have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

CPAC appreciates the freedoms and opportunities America affords in a way that few organizations in this country do today. As a board member and regular attendee of the national conferences, I see firsthand the work CPAC is carrying out every day to keep America thriving and free. My wife and I choose to support CPAC wholeheartedly because they not only share our values but most importantly, they are in the fight to defend them. They are taking action to save our country and give future generations opportunities to succeed. We are proud to be a part of this fight and to support as strong and patriotic an organization as CPAC.

Searching for that perfect last-minute gift? Fear not! There’s still time to surprise your loved one with tickets to the nation’s largest gathering of conservatives. Tickets are still available for CPAC DC February 21-24 and start at only $95 for a very limited time! They are an easy last-minute gift that your loved one will love, and thanks to electronic delivery, there’s no need to stress over shipping times. Tickets will be delivered directly to your phone via QR code! Explore all of the CPAC DC 2024 tickets today at CPAC.org/DC.

It’s not too late to check off your Christmas shopping list with tickets to CPAC DC 2024. While other gifts are too late to order, CPAC tickets are free of the hassle of shipping and handling. Surprise the conservatives in your life with the chance to join thousands of fellow patriots in protecting America now. Visit CPAC.org/DC for more information on all our ticket options and to take advantage of our limited time offer of General Admission tickets starting at just $95!

A week ago, CPAC had the privilege to present on legislative solutions to end modern day slavery during a conference held by the Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute and the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). Led by the Center for Immigration Studies and alongside Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team, the presentation shed light on the critical importance of developing effective legislation to not only hold traffickers accountable but also ensure that survivors have the resources needed to successfully reintegrate into society. Specifically, the focus was on four key components that policy makers must address to be effective: Meeting a crucial need for legislation that focuses on holding perpetrators accountable through defined criminal penalties for buying, selling, and coercing other human beings into a life of slavery and abuse. Prioritizing relief and recovery services for victims, ensuring that these survivors are not punished for crimes that they were forced into and restoring their ability to thrive in modern society. Allocating resources to address the flow of illegal criminal activity into the country, through supporting law enforcement and advocates at the southern border with the tools necessary to keep organized crime out of the United States and ensuring children are not brought to our country to be labor or sex trafficked. Acknowledging and addressing the harms caused by ‘big tech’ platforms that serve as breeding ground for traffickers to exploit young and vulnerable victims into a life of trafficking. By integrating these four elements into legislation, the panel advocated for a more holistic approach and robust legal framework that not only combats trafficking effectively but also places a strong emphasis on victim-centered approaches that ends the cycle of abuse we see too often in human trafficking cases. You can learn more about the conference and CPAC’s presentation: https://uh.edu/bti/news/events/combat-human-trafficking/.

The Christmas season is upon us, and We Are Not Enemies is the perfect way to participate in this season of joy and giving. Join us and Americans nationwide in praying for the healing of our country. We are in a dangerous culture war, and We Are Not Enemies is the opportunity we need to spread forgiveness and mend the division wrought on Americans by the Left. The program is simple but effective. It unites Americans in the act of praying and brings our focus back to God. Join today by making your prayer pledge at wearenotenemies.com. - Matt & Mercy

We Are Not Enemies invites you to join a growing community of Christians as they pray for unity and mercy in America. The program is completely free and only requires a pledge to pray either on your own or with a local prayer group. Either way, you are connected to a nationwide grassroots movement of God-fearing and patriotic Americans. You can even help that movement grow by inviting friends and family to join, using your platforms to speak about it, dispersing flyers to organizations in your town, or by tagging #wearenotenemies on social media. With your help, we can bring our country together in a season of forgiveness. Visit wearenotenmies.com to learn all the ways you can participate.

When we founded Patriot Mobile 10 years ago, our desire was to create a business that could be a catalyst for positive change within our great nation.  Like most Americans, I had great concerns with the state of our country and the direction we were headed. As America’s only Christian conservative wireless provider, Patriot Mobile’s mission is to defend our God-given constitutional rights and freedoms and to do so in a way that glorifies God.  We carry out our mission by donating a portion of every dollar we earn back to Christian conservative causes.  One of the causes we choose to support is CPAC. From the very first time I met Matt and Mercedes Schlapp, I knew CPAC was going to be a great partner for Patriot Mobile.   Unlike some other organizations in the movement, CPAC is actually moving the needle within the movement.    I believe CPAC will continue to play an instrumental  role in conservatism and preserving our freedoms. It is an honor to partner with CPAC, and I encourage other folks that are as passionate as we are about saving our country, to consider supporting this great organization. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you and yours, Glenn Story

Introduction The CPAC Foundation's Center for Regulatory Freedom recently issued a detailed critique of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed rulemaking regarding internet regulation, particularly focusing on the reinstatement of net neutrality and related policies. This post delves into their comments and arguments, presenting a comprehensive summary for a clearer understanding of the ongoing debate. Summary of CRF's Comments Historical Context In 2017, the FCC considered repealing the Obama Administration's net neutrality policy, amidst strong opposition characterized as a blend of propaganda and fearmongering by various celebrities and large internet companies. Despite their predictions of dire consequences, CRF argues that the post-repeal period saw improvements in internet speeds, reliability, and affordability, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critique of Biden Administration's Approach The Biden Administration aims to resurrect net neutrality and implement a new policy, Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet (SSOI). CRF criticizes this as an overregulation, noting a shift in the argument towards national security and public safety, which we regard as a weak justification. Detailed Analysis Arbitrary and Capricious Rulemaking CRF asserts that the FCC's rulemaking is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). We reference recent Supreme Court cases to outline standards for determining whether agency actions are reasonable and lawful, arguing that the FCC's proposed rule lacks a sound statutory basis and fails to provide a rational connection between its findings and decisions. Overstepping Statutory Authority We emphasize that the FCC's proposal exceeds its statutory authority. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not grant the FCC the power to regulate for national security or public safety, which the proposal claims to do. This overreach, we argue, contradicts the Act's focus on promoting competition and infrastructure investment. Lack of Reasonable Explanation The proposal, according to the Foundation, lacks a reasonable basis, relying on speculative and insufficient data from the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also fails to demonstrate a clear legal rationale for the expanded regulatory authority it seeks. National Security and the "Square-Peg, Round-Hole" Problem CRF views the national security argument for net neutrality as a misalignment, noting that the FCC already possesses authority under existing regulations to address security threats. We question the necessity of expanding the FCC's role in national security, seeing it as an attempt to justify a preferred policy rather than a genuine security need. Major Questions Doctrine Finally, we argue that the proposed rule fails to meet the "Major Questions Doctrine" as set forth in the Supreme Court's West Virginia v. EPA decision. The FCC's rationale ignores key trends in internet pricing, speed, and availability since the 2018 repeal of net neutrality, focusing instead on objectives that CRF views as outside the FCC's traditional purview. Conclusion CRF's comments present a strong critique of the FCC's proposed internet regulation, challenging its legal basis, its approach to national security, and the rationale behind reintroducing net neutrality. This debate highlights the complexities of regulating the internet, balancing technological advances, consumer protection, and national security concerns. The FCC's next steps, and the responses they elicit, will be crucial in shaping the future of internet regulation in the United States.

Earlier this week, the Nolan Center for Justice’s Prosecutor and Law Enforcement Advisory Council released their Conservative Principles of Prosecution. These principles are intended to serve as a foundation to ensure prosecutors and law enforcement leaders promote public safety, uphold the integrity of the profession, and foster public confidence in the criminal justice system. Recognizing the need for center-right prosecutors and law enforcement leaders open to systemic improvements, our Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Advisory Council is chaired by former Acting United States Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and is composed of leaders with law enforcement backgrounds at federal, state, and local levels. Serving as a leading voice in the country, the Council met in early November for a two-day retreat in order to draft and finalize these standards of the profession. It is our hope that these principles will serve as a tool and encouragement to prosecutors throughout the country as they serve the people whom granted them their power. Learn more here.