What’s Happening
Yesterday, a group of Republican House Members, led by Congressman John Curtis (UT-03), officially unveiled The Conservative Climate Caucus. With 60 Members signing up to be a part of the caucus, it is already the third largest in the House of Representatives.
The goal of the caucus is to educate House Republicans about climate change, develop conservative climate policies rooted in innovation and markets, and provide a forum for members of Congress to organize on the issue of tackling climate change.
Why It Matters
The GOP has long been seen as resistant to even discussing climate change, but in recent years, Republicans have made steady progress on the issue. In the last 6 months alone, ACC helped host a Conservative Climate Summit with 24 Republican House Members, in Salt Lake City, supported House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s release of a Republican climate platform, and organized the first-ever Conservative Climate Rally, in Miami. Polls consistently show that young conservatives are prioritizing the environment and climate change, and that key demographics, including suburban voters and women, see both as important issues.
The Conservative Climate Caucus is the result of this progress over the years. By organizing a formal caucus, Rep. John Curtis and his colleagues are indicating that Republicans are ready to engage on serious climate policy, putting forward conservative solutions that are both good for the American people and our planet.
The Conservative Climate Caucus is symptomatic of the growth of genuine conservative leadership on the issue of climate change.
My take
Climate change is no longer a one party issue. Republicans, across generational differences, are increasingly bold in their support for sensible, conservative climate policies.
This caucus will help conservatives push back against progressive policies that prioritize their economic and social agenda over the planet, educate members of Congress about the conservative way of tackling climate change, and mobilize a new cohort of Republicans interested in leading on this issue.
After years of growth and progress, propelled by youth organizations like ACC, it is encouraging to see House Republicans take actionable, commonsense steps to reduce emissions, grow the American economy, and protect our planet.
Quote me on it
“The Republican Party is returning to its conservation roots. The launch of the Conservative Climate Caucus, and the fact that a quarter of House Republicans joined the group on its first day, proves that the most important environmental issue of the 21st century, climate change, is no longer a one party issue.” – VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson