When it came to growing and promoting his aerial firefighting company, Montana businessman Tim Sheehy was, for years, vocal about the need to combat global climate change and supported initiatives to curb emissions. However, since launching his Republican bid for Senate, Sheehy has aligned himself with the party’s stance on climate issues, criticizing what he calls the “climate cult” and the “disastrous socialist Green New Deal.”
While it’s not surprising that Sheehy has shifted his stance to appeal to a Republican primary electorate in a deep-red state like Montana, it’s disheartening to see such opportunism and partisan rhetoric, especially as the impacts of climate change become more apparent. Sheehy’s company, Bridger Aerospace, continues to position itself as a leader in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions, yet Sheehy now discredits the importance of addressing climate change.
Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, is campaigning for a chance to challenge Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in 2024. He is expected to face Rep. Matt Rosedale (R-Mont.) in the Republican primary, although Rosedale has not officially announced his candidacy.
Sheehy founded Bridger Aerospace in 2014 after retiring from the military. The company has experienced significant growth in recent years, operating a fleet of 28 aircraft that have assisted in firefighting efforts across the Western U.S. and parts of Canada. In 2022, the company generated over $46 million in revenue, with 96% of that coming from federal contracts.
Despite his Senate bid, Sheehy continues to serve as Bridger’s CEO, and his campaign advertisements prominently feature the company’s aircraft. If elected, Sheehy would have oversight over federal agencies that have financially supported his business, raising conflict of interest concerns.
Climate change has been a central part of Bridger Aerospace’s marketing and business strategy. The company has emphasized its mission to combat climate change by directly reducing CO2 emissions. Presentations from Bridger highlight the connection between wildfires, carbon pollution, and planetary warming. They also acknowledge that climate change has extended the wildfire season. However, a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission suggests that the company cannot predict the material impact of climate change on its business.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and other Republicans have endorsed Sheehy, touting his experience as a combat veteran, successful businessman, and job creator. However, they fail to acknowledge that Sheehy’s success has come from confronting a crisis that the GOP has long denied and downplayed while supporting fossil fuel production. Sheehy appears to distance himself from this legacy, as his company removed climate language from its website prior to his Senate bid.
Sheehy’s campaign website aligns with Republican talking points, criticizing the federal government and “radical environmentalists.” However, just two years ago, Sheehy publicly supported climate initiatives and called for global cooperation in fighting climate change. His recent rhetoric has become increasingly partisan, opposing the Green New Deal and adopting a more conservative stance on climate issues.
In conclusion, Tim Sheehy’s shift in stance on climate change is a calculated political maneuver to appeal to Republican primary voters. However, it contradicts his company’s branding as a leader in combating greenhouse gas emissions. It also raises conflict of interest concerns if elected to the Senate. Sheehy’s rhetoric has become more partisan and out of sync with his previous positions.
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