I recently learned of an Illinois Republican politician named Martha Marks. In 1995 she served on a county board of commissioners and attended a convention on environmental species protection in Washington, D.C. Ms. Marks was reportedly dismayed at just how few republicans were in the group of attendees.

Wanting to make a difference, Marks started an organization in 1995 that still exists today. The organization is called Republicans for Environmental Protection or REP America. Ms. Marks is still the President of this organization which has grown substantially since 1995.

Currently there are approximately 2,000 members nationwide. According to the communication spokesperson for the organization, Jim DiPeso, members are from all walks of life and from every corner of the Republican party. The one thing they share in common is a determination that the mainstream Republican view on the environment needs to become more environmentally friendly.

DiPeso speaks with Republicans from throughout the United States on a routine basis who reflect a commitment to core Republican values and are disheartened by the current Administration's position on the environment. The only environmental plus for this Administration was its support of regulations that will make diesel burning engines more environmentally efficient. Those regulations will go into effect in 2007 and were endorsed by the Administration. However, the group is very disappointed in the Bush administration's position concerning clean air, clean water, global warming and preservation of public lands.

DiPeso reminds me there have historically existed Republicans who have been very pro-environment. As an example, he refers to Richard Nixon who created the Environmental Protection Agency, supported the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act and other significant federal laws.

There have also been environmentally friendly Republican Congresspeople and Governors, such as Nelson Rockefeller. The organization hopes to bring back these kinds of Republicans.

REP members tend to be older, generally in their 50's and older. However, many younger people are involved as well

There are nine members of the Board of Directors directly elected by members of the group. DiPeso got his start after seeing an article in a fishing magazine in 1996. He became involved as a volunteer and later was hired full time. He is a development director and the communications director.

Persons interested in this organization can visit its website. Or call 555-889-4544 for additional information.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.