WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Pragmatic Republicans Reject Climate Denialism
By Allice Haidden
Despite polarized positions, we face a severe and rapidly growing global problem together. While the American Left deserves credit for continuously sounding the alarm about climate change, many conservatives are also actively focused on crafting practical solutions that express their values of moral responsibility and limited government.
Several pragmatic Republicans reject climate denialism and have taken strong positions of environmental stewardship.
Representative Francis Rooney, (R-FL) and Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019, which proposed creating a fee paid by carbon producers and distributed directly to the American people. When asked at a Citizens Climate Lobby conference what motivated his focus on climate solutions, his answer was simple, “I can read.”
In an interview with The New York Times, Senator Mitt Romney, R-UT, strongly supported the carbon fee and dividend policy specifically because it provides a direct way to help working families afford the cost of the necessary coming shift.
In 2021 Representative John Curtis, R-UT, created the 81 member Conservative Climate Caucus, “to educate Republican House Members on conservative climate solutions that align with Republican principles.”
After leaving the House, Representative Bob Inglis, R-SC, has dedicated himself to providing an active community for conservatives who identify as eco-right. Their clear and informative website, republicEN.org, explains that a revenue-neutral carbon tax is the most effective way to eliminate heat- trapping pollution in our atmosphere. It also explains that revenue-neutral means that none of the fees levied can contribute to government growth.
According to the conservative Luntz polling company, young Republicans support Cashback Carbon Pricing at nearly the same level as do Democrats (75% for Republicans under 40 to 80% Democrats). The bipartisan prospects for this most effective climate policy are bright, but our lawmakers will not lead without our encouragement. Contact them now at cclusa.org/write-cfd.
Right or Left, let’s vote like the earth depends on it.
Allice Haidden is a Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteer.
