Roosevelt and Natural Resources in US
The Roosevelt Initiative cares deeply about the wise management of natural resources in the United States. Our nation is blessed with an abundance of land, water, minerals, and energy reserves. If stewarded responsibly, these assets can continue to make America strong, self-reliant, and unique in its abundance. But history shows that abundance is no guarantee of sustainability. Without deliberate care and sound policy, even the richest reserves can be depleted — leaving future generations with less security, fewer options, and diminished natural beauty.
Our namesake, Theodore Roosevelt, was a tireless champion of natural resources. His leadership shaped a legacy that injects conservation and stewardship into modern political discourse — a legacy we at the Roosevelt Initiative strive to uphold. We believe nature itself offers a path to bridge the political divide, uniting Americans through our shared connection to the natural world and our shared dependence on its health. In Roosevelt’s time, the threats were largely overharvesting, unregulated mining, and lack of public access.
Today, the challenges are broader and more urgent — climate instability, habitat loss, and balancing the demand for energy with the need for clean air and water. Yet the principles he stood for remain the blueprint for solutions.
We have become great because of the lavish use of our resources. But the time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when the coal, the iron, the oil, and the gas are exhausted, when the soils have still further impoverished and washed into the streams, polluting the rivers, denuding the fields and obstructing navigation.
Roosevelt's View on Natural Resources
Roosevelt foresaw the dangers of exhausting resources like coal, iron, oil, and gas. He urged Americans to think beyond immediate profits and preserve the nation’s natural wealth for future generations.
Of all the questions which can come before this nation… there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us.
Roosevelt’s Legacy of Supporting Natural Resource Conservation
Theodore Roosevelt was a champion for the conservation of natural resources in the United States. Long before the issue of climate change, TR foresaw that stewardship was essential to ensuring future generations could enjoy the wilderness he loved.
In his early life, Roosevelt was a sickly child. Unable to spend much time outdoors, he read extensively about nature and even paid neighborhood children to bring him specimens to study indoors.
As he regained his health, young Teddy immersed himself in the natural world. He became a budding ornithologist, skilled horseman, and avid hunter. By his twenties, frequent trips to the American West exposed him to vast landscapes that shaped his rugged, self-reliant character.
He purchased a ranch in North Dakota, living and working among fellow ranchers until harsh weather and economic realities forced its closure. This experience deepened his respect for the resources required to sustain rural livelihoods.
As President, Roosevelt made natural resources a cornerstone of his administration. He doubled the number of National Parks, created the Pelican Island Bird Reservation, and established approximately 50 more wildlife preserves. He signed legislation creating parks in Oregon, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma.
Agriculture was another focus of natural resources. The Reclamation Act of 1902 funded dam construction across the West, ensuring water supply for farmers. He encouraged scientific farming practices suited to specific climates, boosting productivity in challenging regions.
Coal and domestic energy production also occupied Roosevelt’s attention. The 1902 coal strike threatened to leave Eastern cities without heat in winter. Roosevelt intervened to ensure continued supply, recognizing that energy security was vital to national well-being.
In his 1908 speech “Conservation as a National Duty,” Roosevelt warned against wasteful exploitation:
We are coming to recognize as never before the right of the Nation to guard its own future in the essential matter of natural resources… The time has come for a change.
More than a century later, Roosevelt’s vision remains relevant — a reminder that abundant resources demand wise, forward-looking stewardship.
Connecting Roosevelt’s Vision to Today’s Challenges
Today, America faces new resource challenges Roosevelt could scarcely have imagined: rising global temperatures, prolonged droughts in the West, depleted fisheries, and the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources. These issues are not just environmental — they are economic, security, and public health concerns.
Roosevelt’s conservation philosophy, built on foresight, balance, and national responsibility, provides a blueprint for tackling these crises. Just as he confronted overharvesting of timber and the exhaustion of fertile land, we must now address overuse of groundwater, loss of pollinator populations, and the strain on public lands from record visitation.
Key areas where Roosevelt’s legacy meets today’s realities:
Climate Change Preparedness
Roosevelt believed in science-driven policy. Modern application means embracing renewable energy, strengthening climate resilience in agriculture, and investing in infrastructure to withstand floods, storms, and extreme heat.
Water Security
Just as Roosevelt expanded irrigation systems to ensure agricultural stability, today’s policies must address shrinking snowpacks, aquifer depletion, and equitable water allocation between states.
Biodiversity Protection
Roosevelt established over 50 wildlife refuges. We must build on that by protecting migration corridors, restoring degraded habitats, and combating invasive species.
Balanced Energy Transition
Roosevelt understood that energy security underpinned national stability. Our challenge is to balance the continued need for domestic production with aggressive investment in wind, solar, nuclear, and emerging clean technologies.
Public Engagement
Roosevelt believed every citizen had a role in stewardship. Modern engagement means empowering communities, schools, and local governments to lead in conservation projects and climate adaptation.
The Roosevelt Initiative believes these lessons are not relics of the past but the bedrock of a resilient future. We advocate for policy that honors Roosevelt’s principle: leave the land better than we found it, for the generations to come.
Policies for Natural Resources in the United States
The Roosevelt Initiative follows a policy roadmap inspired by the greatest areas of influence Theodore Roosevelt had during his presidency. His forward-looking philosophy still applies to today’s environmental, agricultural, and energy challenges.
Below, we break down each major policy area within natural resources, from national parks and agriculture to natural gas and economic indicators like gross domestic product.
National Parks in the United States
While Roosevelt didn’t create the National Park Service, his name is synonymous with the protection of America’s natural treasures. National Parks are living monuments to TR’s love for nature and his belief that every American deserves access to our most spectacular landscapes.
“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”
The Roosevelt Initiative promotes:
- Increased funding for the National Park Service (NPS)
- Greater autonomy for NPS management
- Preservation and improvement of 430+ sites covering 83 million acres
Land Conservation
For Roosevelt, conservation wasn’t just moral, but it was a national responsibility. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, he inspired thousands of Americans to see hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation as gateways to conservation.
We support:
- Expanding public land access
- Preserving habitats for endangered species
- Encouraging conservation through responsible hunting and angling
Agricultural Production
Roosevelt admired farmers and ranchers, having been one himself. He warned that rapid urbanization could threaten America’s agricultural bounty. Agriculture, he believed, required careful stewardship of soil, water, and ecosystems. Today, that same stewardship is essential as farmers face new pressures from climate change, global competition, and corporate consolidation. By protecting the resilience of America’s food systems, we ensure that farming remains both a livelihood and a legacy.
Our priorities include:
- Supporting independent farmers
- Promoting regenerative agriculture
- Encouraging soil health and pollinator-friendly practices
Domestic Energy Production
An energy crisis nearly derailed Roosevelt’s early presidency. Today, the U.S. faces similar debates over energy use, climate change, and resource depletion. Roosevelt’s approach of balancing development with conservation still applies.
We advocate for policies that:
- Expand clean energy production within the U.S.
- Preserve energy security
- Use resources wisely to maintain a strong economy and healthy environment
Natural Gas
Natural gas plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between fossil fuels and renewable energy. While cleaner than coal, it still produces emissions that must be addressed through carbon capture and efficiency measures.
Our policy stance:
- Support domestic natural gas production with strict environmental safeguards
- Invest in infrastructure for cleaner in transportation and energy storage
Crude Oil
The United States remains one of the world’s largest producers of crude oil, a resource that plays a pivotal role in fueling our economy and supporting millions of jobs. From powering transportation and industry to driving innovation in petrochemicals, its extraction and use are deeply intertwined with our gross domestic product. Crude oil production also strengthens America’s energy independence, reducing reliance on foreign imports and enhancing national security.
We believe in:
- Responsible drilling practices
- Reducing oil dependence through diversified energy portfolios
- Strategic petroleum reserves for national security
Coal Mining
Coal was the dominant energy source in Roosevelt’s time, and it remains a key topic in U.S. energy discussions. While coal use has declined due to environmental concerns, it still supports jobs and industries.
Our approach:
- Transition workers from coal mining into clean energy sectors
- Rehabilitate mined lands for environmental restoration
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power offers a low carbon alternative for large scale energy production. While Roosevelt could not have envisioned nuclear energy, his commitment to science based policy suggests he would have supported safe, innovative solutions. In today’s world, nuclear energy also strengthens U.S. energy independence and reduces reliance on foreign oil and gas. With proper oversight, it can play a vital role in achieving both climate goals and national security objectives.
We support:
- Investment in next generation nuclear technology
- Strict safety protocols to protect communities and ecosystems
Gross Domestic Product and Resource Policy
Economic growth, measured in gross domestic product (GDP), is directly tied to the wise use of natural resources. Roosevelt recognized that short-term exploitation of resources could jeopardize long-term prosperity.
Our position:
- Resource policies should aim for sustainable GDP growth
- Economic success must not come at the expense of environmental stability
Frequently Asked Questions about Our Natural Resources
Q: What does Theodore Roosevelt have to do with modern climate change?
While climate change wasn’t identified in his lifetime, Roosevelt’s conservation principles — protecting ecosystems, managing finite resources, and thinking beyond short-term gains — remain essential to addressing it.
Q: Would Theodore Roosevelt support clean energy?
His record suggests he would back any energy source that preserved forests, water, and soil while supporting economic growth.
Q: What does “wise stewardship” mean and look like?
Natural resources are defined as resources that are drawn from nature and used with few modifications. With these resources being inherently finite, wise stewardship means the use of natural resources that allows for continued use of these resources and does not harm the ecosystems that we exist with and rely on. It is a national duty to act with foresight to preserve our world as best we can for future generations to rely on and enjoy.
Q: Did Roosevelt create the National Parks?
While an avid conservationist, hunter, and rugged outdoorsman, Theodore Roosevelt cannot be credited with the creation of The National Park Service. The first national park to be established was Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho by an act of Congress in 1872. However, he doubled their number and established dozens of wildlife refuges, cementing his legacy as a conservation icon.
Conclusion: The Roosevelt Initiative Today
At the Roosevelt Initiative, we carry forward the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy into the 21st century. We advocate for policies that protect America’s landscapes, strengthen energy independence, and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Our work includes:
- Partnering with lawmakers to expand funding for the National Park Service
- Supporting farmers and ranchers in adopting regenerative practices
- Promoting balanced energy policies that safeguard the environment and maintain U.S. economic strength
- Educating the public on the connection between natural resources and national prosperity
Just as Roosevelt believed that each citizen must do their part, we believe in empowering individuals, communities, and leaders to be stewards of the nation’s resources. Together, we can ensure that America remains not only rich in natural beauty, but also strong, resilient, and united for generations to come.