In today’s complex landscape of environmental and energy policy, few voices bring a uniquely conservative perspective with the depth of experience and commitment that Andrew Sandstrom offers. As an environmental policy writer, consultant for advocacy campaigns, and host of the Public Lands Policy Podcast, Andrew has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between conservative values and the urgent need for sustainable environmental stewardship. His work with the American Energy Leadership Institute and his advocacy for energy abundance, critical minerals development, and balanced public land management position him as a leading figure in shaping the future of American environmental policy.

PoliticIt Radio – At the Table

This article explores Andrew Sandstrom’s personal journey, his insights on public lands and critical infrastructure, and his call for conservatives to actively engage in environmental debates. It reveals how his vision of conservation, grounded in stewardship and national interest, challenges ideological silos and invites a new path forward—where environmental responsibility and conservative principles can coexist to secure a sustainable and prosperous future.

---

From Southern Utah to the National Stage: Andrew Sandstrom’s Background

Andrew Sandstrom’s journey into environmental policy began with humble roots in Pleasant View, Utah, near Weber High School. His early education took him to Southern Utah University, where he initially studied political science—a decision he now recalls with both humor and appreciation. Around 2011, his first exposure to environmental concerns came not from textbooks but from real-world town meetings and party gatherings where discussions of local wildlife, like prairie dogs, sparked broader questions about public land management.

After serving a mission, Andrew transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU), where his interest in environmental policy deepened. A pivotal moment came when a friend working in the Trump administration invited him to the Capitol to witness the president’s reissuance of a declaration for Bears Ears National Monument. The contrast between the intense protests outside—angry, even hostile—and the deliberate policy discussions inside, led by Secretary Ryan Zinke and others, left a lasting impression.

That moment crystallized Andrew’s growing conviction: conservatives needed to articulate their own vision for conservation—one rooted in stewardship, pragmatic management, and a respect for both natural beauty and economic opportunity. It became a personal mission that would shape his work throughout his time at BYU and beyond.

---

The Need for a Conservative Seat at the Environmental Policy Table

A guiding principle Andrew often shares comes from Utah Congressman John Curtis: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” It’s a warning and a challenge—to conservatives especially—that environmental policy is happening with or without them. If they want to shape outcomes that reflect their values, they must engage.

Andrew reflects on the evolution of conservative engagement with environmental issues. Not long ago, even using the word “climate” in Republican circles could be taboo. But the conversation is shifting. Today, there’s room for right-of-center solutions that reject alarmism while still addressing ecological and energy challenges head-on.

Through youth-focused campaigns and advisory roles—including with the American Energy Leadership Institute led by Chris Johnson—Andrew has worked to promote energy abundance, strengthen competitiveness, and reduce dependence on adversarial global supply chains like China’s.

---

Engaging with Diverse Environmental Perspectives

Andrew’s Public Lands Policy Podcast amplifies voices that don’t always get airtime in traditional environmental media. Through interviews with policymakers, experts, and NGO leaders, the show explores nuanced, often underrepresented viewpoints on public land governance and energy development.

Guests like Representative Celeste Malloy, who has worked on permitting reform, bring firsthand insight into the real-world barriers to effective land management. Sandstrom’s network also includes heterodox thinkers—those who challenge environmental orthodoxy without denying the importance of stewardship. He frequently cites the work of the Strata think tank, founded by Utah State professors Randy Simmons and Chris Fossen, which offered a distinctive analysis of the Bears Ears controversy and broader conservation economics.

This diversity of thought is key to Andrew’s mission: developing policy that reflects not just ecological values, but also economic reality and the lived experience of Western communities.

---

Challenges in Environmental Policy: Lawsuits and Forest Management

A recurring obstacle Andrew identifies is the role of litigation in derailing forest management efforts. Well-funded environmental groups often sue to halt restoration projects, paralyzing agencies and increasing wildfire risk.

He highlights the Aspen Project in the Uinta National Forest—where efforts to conduct selective tree removal and controlled burns were halted by lawsuits—as a prime example. The result? Delays, inaction, and worsening forest health.

Andrew pushes back against the narrative that federal land managers are simply negligent. Instead, he argues, the problem lies in a legal system that empowers obstructionism over stewardship. The consequences are felt acutely in states like California, where prolonged litigation has contributed to catastrophic wildfires. Without reform—and without conservative engagement—forest policy will remain hostage to courtroom tactics rather than ecological science.

---

Energy Abundance and the Critical Role of Minerals

At the heart of Andrew’s policy priorities is the development of critical minerals—resources essential to building the clean energy infrastructure of the future. Technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and nuclear power depend on minerals that, while not always rare, are critical due to their strategic value and supply chain vulnerability.

China’s dominance in this arena, Andrew explains, is no accident. Through deliberate manipulation of global supply chains, the Chinese Communist Party has cornered the market, putting U.S. manufacturers and defense systems at risk.

Utah, however, is uniquely positioned to help solve this problem. The state has produced or has the capacity to process 40 of the 50 federally identified critical minerals, with historic production in 20–21 of them. This potential puts Utah at the forefront of an American mineral renaissance—if the policy framework supports it.

---

Balancing Local Environment and Climate Goals

Andrew underscores a vital tension in environmental policy: balancing local environmental concerns with global climate objectives. Resource development can disrupt local ecosystems, sparking legitimate opposition. But without domestic mining, the U.S. simply cannot build the infrastructure needed to reduce emissions worldwide.

America has made remarkable progress in cleaning its air. As Andrew notes, domestic manufacturing is three to four times cleaner than offshoring to countries with lower environmental standards, like China. By developing critical minerals at home, we reduce not only supply chain risks, but the overall global environmental impact of energy production.

---

National Security Implications of Energy and Mineral Dependency

The consequences of mineral dependency extend beyond economics—they reach deep into national security. From radar systems to electric vehicles, rare earth elements are indispensable to the modern military. And right now, many of those minerals come from adversarial nations.

Andrew points to a recent $200 billion military investment in rare earth mineral procurement as evidence of growing urgency. The stakes are high. If supply chains are cut in a crisis, entire defense systems could be crippled. From washing machines to weapons platforms, the need for secure, domestic access to critical minerals is no longer optional—it’s imperative.

---

A Call to Action: Making Environmental Policy a Conservative Priority

Andrew Sandstrom’s message to conservatives is clear: environmental policy must be a top priority. The issue isn’t going away—and if right-of-center thinkers sit it out, they’ll forfeit the opportunity to shape the rules.

“You need to be at the table to help make these decisions and drive policy,” he says. “Do it in good faith, build bridges, and figure out what we can do to meet all the needs of our children’s future—including clean air, clean water, and a beautiful environment to hand down to them.”

He urges conservative legislators to build a new vision for conservation—one that champions sustainable resource development, energy abundance, forest restoration, and pragmatic solutions rooted in local realities. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about leaving a legacy.

---

Conclusion: A Balanced, Forward-Looking Environmental Vision

Andrew Sandstrom’s work exemplifies how conservative values—prudence, stewardship, national strength—can align with environmental goals to build a resilient future. From his early roots in Utah to his national advocacy, he has made the case that engaging in environmental policy is not a compromise—it’s a moral and strategic necessity.

Whether advocating for domestic mineral production, pushing back against destructive litigation, or inviting new voices to the conversation, Andrew brings clarity, credibility, and conviction to the table.

As the U.S. navigates climate transitions, economic pressures, and geopolitical uncertainty, voices like his remind us that protecting the planet need not come at the expense of liberty or prosperity. In fact, with the right vision, it can protect both.#politicit #utahelections #utpol