FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 3, 2020 — This week, conservative voters from across America are in D.C. to build Republican support for a carbon price. Known as Conservative Climate Lobby Day, this first-of-its-kind event is hosted by Citizens’ Climate Lobby. More than 90 conservatives are attending from 30 states, including Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
On Monday, Feb. 3, attendees will receive training in lobbying and communications, as well as a thorough legislative briefing on the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 763). This bipartisan carbon pricing bill is currently in the House with 77 cosponsors. It will place a robust price on carbon pollution — $15/ton, increasing $10/ton each year — which will dramatically decrease our climate-changing emissions. The revenue will be allocated to each American in the form of monthly dividends, which protects low- and middle-income Americans from cost increases and keeps America’s economy healthy.
On Tuesday, Feb. 4, attendees will head to Capitol Hill for meetings with more than 70 Republican congressional offices. These conservative climate advocates will specifically ask their representatives and senators to support H.R. 763.
“I’m actually optimistic,” said Jacob Abel, an attendee in his 20s. “I think Republican and conservative values can go hand in hand with addressing climate change and conservation.” A Luntz Global poll released last spring confirms that. It found that 4 out of 5 Americans, across party lines, support a carbon price like H.R. 763.
“Today, we see Republicans in Congress getting engaged on the climate issue, bringing to the table conservative solutions that protect hardworking Americans and ensure prosperity in our economy,” said Jim Tolbert, Conservative Outreach Director for CCL. Earlier this year, Tolbert published an op-ed detailing the recent climate change comments of many elected Republicans.
The party’s movement is due in part to the stance of young conservatives. “I know so many young Republicans that care about climate change,” Abel said. “Addressing climate change is becoming universal among young people.” According to an Ipsos/Newsy poll last fall, 77 percent of young Republicans said climate change is a serious threat.
The citizen lobbyists at this week’s event are yet another wave in the tide of grassroots advocates pushing Congress for climate action. Last June, 1,500 volunteers of all political stripes attended CCL’s annual conference and held 529 meetings with congressional offices.
“Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan organization, and we believe that the best way to achieve strong, lasting climate legislation is with support across the political spectrum,” explained Mark Reynolds, CCL’s Executive Director. “We’re grateful to these conservative volunteers for making their voices heard at this event. With every meeting, they’re showing elected Republicans that climate change should be a bridge issue that we all work together on.”
CONTACT: Flannery Winchester, Communications Director, , 615-337-3642
