‘United front’ grows stronger to combat anti-climate policies, Curbelo says

Three new Republican members – U.S. Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), and Peter Roskam (R-IL) – have joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, announced co-chair and co-founder U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) on May 17.

“Now 78 members strong, the Climate Solutions Caucus is evidence that there is a growing, diverse and bipartisan coalition of members of Congress ready to put politics aside and find meaningful solutions to the challenges posed by sea level rise and climate change,” Rep. Curbelo said.

The caucus, which Rep. Curbelo established with co-chair and co-founder U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) in February 2016, is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. Members join in pairs, but an extra Republican member, Rep. Paulsen, was allowed to join this go around to replace exited member U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan (R-PA), who resigned earlier this year. U.S. Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Ron Kind (D-WI) are the caucus’ new Democrats.

“We have a responsibility to our constituents and future generations to present a united front to combat anti-climate policies and to have a productive, fact-based dialogue about market-oriented solutions, investments and innovations that could mitigate the effects of climate change and make our nation more resilient” said Rep. Curbelo. “This growing coalition will be critical to ensuring Congress makes finding solutions to this issue a priority.”

Rep. Deutch noted in their joint statement on May 17 that the larger, more diverse caucus membership reflects “the broad consensus among Americans that climate change is an urgent issue that demands action by Congress.”

“As we gear up for hurricane season, I welcome this bipartisan support from my colleagues for the caucus’ efforts to address the growing threats of climate change,” said Rep. Deutch.

Rep. MacArthur said his Garden State district includes the Jersey Shore, Barnegat Bay, the Pine Barrens and the Delaware River. “Climate change and other environmental issues directly impact our area and our South Jersey economy,” he said. “I am proud to join the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus to find practical solutions to the environmental challenges we face.”

Rep. Paulsen also said on Friday that he’s “proud to team up with both Republicans and Democrats on ways to protect our country’s economy, security, water supply and environment.”

Rep. Engel added that “climate change should never have become a partisan issue.”

“It’s a global issue that affects every one of us in a very real, consequential way. As such, Democrats and Republicans must come together to find real world solutions to the growing crisis, and one avenue for that type of bipartisan work is the Climate Solutions Caucus,” the congressman said.

“We have one earth and it’s up to all of us to take care of it,” added Rep. Roskam. “Being a good steward of our planet bears great significance. The Climate Solutions Caucus is a bipartisan venue to enact common sense solutions.”

Rep. Curbelo said he welcomes the “valuable input” of the new members, and added he was grateful they’re “willing to step up and turn their concern into action by joining” the caucus.