WASHINGTON —RealClearEnergy today published an op-ed by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) President Heather Reams highlighting the 40 CRES-endorsed Republican candidates who champion an all-of-the-above energy approach to reducing emissions.
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In the final days leading up to the election, polls show many races are neck and neck with the Presidential election looking incredibly close. However, not all polls are close; recent polling from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) reveals one thing the majority of voters are certain about: Americans want to reduce carbon emissions, but not energy choices.
The national survey of likely voters’ attitudes toward climate change and clean energy found that an overwhelming 73% of Americans believe we must act to combat climate change, and a supermajority—82%—of Americans support lowering transportation emissions while preserving consumer choice.
Electing members of Congress who champion an all-of-the-above energy approach to reducing emission should be a no-brainer. That’s why CRES endorsed a slate of 40 House and Senate Republican candidates ahead of the November election.
These proven leaders have consistently shown a commitment to addressing climate change through American innovation, clean energy advancement and thoughtful policy discussions.
Our endorsed leaders offer a vital counterbalance to extreme ideas from those who support a radical Green New Deal. These Republican leaders demonstrate the U.S. can pursue clean energy alternatives without sacrificing the needs of our economy or national security. They recognize any approach to climate policy must be pragmatic—one that prioritizes innovation over mandates that burden American families and businesses.
For example, Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah), who is running for the U.S. Senate, founded the Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC). With more than 80 members, it’s now one of the largest caucuses in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is actively engaging Republicans on reducing global emissions while preserving America’s economic competitiveness and creating jobs.
Now under the leadership of Chair Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Vice Chairs Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), the caucus is set to continue its work to educate Congress on policy that merges environmental stewardship with business development.
When it comes to promoting clean energy innovation, members like Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) have been champions for sources like nuclear, geothermal and hydropower, recognizing that investing in clean energy sources in their respective districts means more good paying jobs and economic growth.
Spurring investments in clean energy innovation is a top priority for Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), who recently led a led a letter signed by 17 other House Republicans in support of clean energy tax credits that are spurring new projects and creating good-paying jobs. Protecting these incentives is crucial for maintaining market certainty that provides for even more investment.
However, we also know that many of these new clean energy projects are in jeopardy without meaningful federal permitting reform. Fortunately, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) is leading policy proposals to dismantle hurdles in our permitting process that lead to stalled projects and lost revenue.
These are just a few of the outstanding ways that CRES-endorsed members are leading the charge in advancing policies that reduce emissions while bolstering our energy grid, keeping costs manageable for consumers and securing America’s role as a global energy leader.
Reelecting these members in Congress is critical to continuing the progress we’ve made in lowering global emissions through pragmatic conservative policies. Time and time again, these leaders have demonstrated that they are not just willing to engage in the conversation on climate and energy—they are committed to finding durable solutions that work for all Americans.
As we sprint towards Election Day, I urge voters to support candidates who understand the value of an all-of-the-above energy approach. Reducing global carbon emissions without reducing energy choices is possible, and we know the leaders who have the determination to make it happen.
Heather Reams is the president of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES).
Read the full op-ed here.