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Climate Solutions Caucus reaches 60 members

OCT. 4, 2017 – The bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus reached 60 members this week with the addition of Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) and Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA).

In a statement released from his office, Aguilar said, “Climate change is real, it’s here and it’s deadly. We are past the time for action, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Climate Solutions Caucus to seek a meaningful solution to this global problem. This is an issue that extends beyond party lines, so I’m glad that we’ll be able to work in a bipartisan way to find real solutions.”

In the aftermath of recent climate-related disasters, it’s clear there is little time to waste in enacting bipartisan solutions to climate change, said Citizens’ Climate Lobby Executive Director Mark Reynolds. “The growth of the caucus reflects a growing desire among Americans for Congress to take action on climate change. The heartbreaking devastation from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have heightened public awareness about the risks we face from storms made worse by rising temperatures. Nature is telling us: It’s time to cut carbon.”

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), co-chair of the caucus, said, “Let’s keep up the momentum! South Floridians can’t go one day without noticing the effects of climate change—just this week, we have the highest tides of the year making major roads unpassable. The American people want action, and I’m pleased to see more of my colleagues coming on board.”

At a meeting of the caucus last month to hear about the impact of climate change on tourism and recreation, caucus co-chair Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) opened by commenting on Hurricane Irma, which had just torn through Florida:

“There were hurricanes before human-induced climate change — we should not blame every hurricane on climate change. However, climate change without question contributes to the strength and to the factors that lead to these events. This storm was one of the largest and one of the strongest in the history of the Atlantic basin… certainly, [climate change] is a factor in the strength of these hurricanes.”

Curbelo and Deutch formed the caucus in February of 2016 and serve as co-chairs. Documents filed with the Committee on House Administration state, “The Caucus will serve as an organization to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and protect our nation’s economy, security, infrastructure, agriculture, water supply and public safety.”

Membership is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans.

At the start of the 115th Congress, the caucus was reformed, and on Jan. 18, three Republicans came on board to bring membership to 18. Since then, the number of members has more than tripled (see chart above).

CONTACT: Steve Valk, steve (at) citizensclimate (dot) org, 404-769-7461