Climate Solutions Caucus Welcomes Six New Members; Membership Grows to 58

(Washington) The bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus welcomed six new members to its growing membership: Congressman John Larson (CT-01), Congressman Pat Tiberi (OH-12), Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27), Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01).

Co-Chaired by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congressman Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), the Caucus is now comprised of 58 Members of Congress, split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, representing diverse districts from across the country.

"These new Members are joining the Caucus amid a devastating hurricane season, where major storms are gaining strength from the warmer waters in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico," said Congressman Deutch. "We are witnessing the serious impacts of climate change right in front of our eyes. More and more Members of Congress believe we need to respond to climate change right now, and I'm thrilled that they turn to the Climate Solutions Caucus as a forum for open and constructive dialogue."

"The real-world implications of sea level rise have been on display for all to see in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean following Hurricanes, Harvey, Irma and Maria," Congressman Curbelo said. "I'm grateful these members are willing to step up and turn their concern into action by joining the Climate Solutions Caucus. This growing bipartisan coalition will be critical to ensuring Congress makes finding solutions to this issue a priority."

"I firmly believe that the best solutions are bipartisan ones. Climate change shouldn't be a polarizing issue, it is about following the scientific facts and working together to sustain a healthy planet. I am pleased to join the Climate Solutions Caucus and I am looking forward to working towards bipartisan solutions to help our climate," said Congressman Larson.

"As a New Yorker, I was there five years ago when Superstorm Sandy devastated our City. Now, this year, an unprecedented set of hurricanes have hit Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "I believe climate change will present mounting challenges in the years ahead. The Climate Solutions Caucus is a bipartisan effort to address these issues by both curbing climate change and helping localities invest in resources they need to withstand future weather disasters. I'm proud to join this effort."

"I am happy to join the bi-partisan Climate Solutions Caucus with my fellow New Yorker Nydia Velazquez," Congressman Collins said. "As an Eagle Scout, I believe in preserving our national parks and recreational sites for future generations. I look forward to discussing solutions that truly improve our environment, while balancing the needs of our economic sector."

"Climate change poses a threat to Florida's economy and our way of life, but it also presents an opportunity for the state to step up and lead on this issue," said Congresswoman Murphy. "Clean air and water shouldn't be a partisan issue, which is why I'm proud to join the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. By working together across party lines, we're leading the fight to reduce our carbon footprint, create well-paying clean energy jobs, and support research that address the threat to our communities. Florida must continue to lead the way in the development of alternative and renewable energies, and I'm working to ensure our beautiful state lives up to its full potential."

"Michigan's First District is home to some of our nation's most cherished natural resources and I'm proud to join my colleagues to examine ways to promote and protect these resources," Congressman Bergman said. "Michiganders understand that our Great Lakes and natural resources are worth protecting – for our environment, for our economy, for our kids and grandkids, and for the future of the Great Lakes region"

The mission of the Climate Solutions Caucus is to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and to explore bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate. As determined by the Co-Chairs, the Caucus membership will consist of equal representation by Democrats and Republicans.

The full membership of the Climate Solutions Caucus in the 115th Congress can be accessed here.



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