Republican Candidates Lead Efforts to Help Create Jobs and Grow America’s Clean Energy Economy
WASHINGTON — Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) formally announced its slate of 2020 congressional candidates to earn the organization’s official endorsement. Each of CRES’ endorsed candidates has utilized their role in Congress to advocate for the development of a robust American clean energy industry. Their support of free-market policies aimed at unlocking greater research, development, and deployment of the next generation of renewable, nuclear, natural gas, and carbon capture technologies will only further accelerate America’s economic recovery and on-going emissions reductions.
“There is no question that America’s clean energy producers and employers are vital to a strong economy. Each of the candidates endorsed by CRES is unquestionably committed to growing our domestic clean energy sector and preserving the over 3.3M wind, solar, nuclear, hydropower, energy storage, and clean energy innovation jobs here at home,” said CRES Executive Director Heather Reams. “Republicans, like all Americans, want a clean environment and a vibrant economy for our children, and these leaders are working to secure both. In fact, a recent CRES survey found that strong majorities of Republican voters support government action to accelerate the development and use of clean energy in the U.S. (76%) and see such action as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (72%). I am proud to issue these endorsements and applaud each of these Republican leaders for their commitment to our nation’s clean energy industry.”
The CRES-endorsed candidates have each contributed to a policy landscape to advance clean energy and emissions reductions in a way that puts the needs of the country first. Examples of initiatives and legislation championed by some of our endorsees have included reforming and reauthorizing ARPA-E and advanced nuclear research and development; commonsense, market-based emissions-reduction policies, including legislation to help farmers, ranchers and landowners embrace sustainable farming practices and participate in voluntary carbon markets; and policy solutions to incentivize the next generation of hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal generation, among others. They have worked across the aisle to introduce and cosponsor legislation to advance state-of-the-art grid scale energy storage systems that will build more secure, reliable and resilient electrical infrastructure systems. Lastly, many of these members have actively engaged on tax policy to move forward a technology-neutral tax credit to promote domestic production of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The 2020 candidates endorsed by CRES include:
U.S. Senate
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
U.S. House
Mark Amodei (R-NV-02)
Don Bacon (R-NE-02)
Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02)
John Curtis (R-UT-03)
Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01)
Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01)
Garret Graves (R-LA-06)
John Katko (R-NY-24)
Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16)
Brian Mast (R-FL-18)
Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23)
David McKinley (R-WV-01)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05)
Tom Reed (R-NY-23)
Mike Simpson (R-ID-02)
Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21)
Fred Upton (R-MI-06)
“The people of Maine reject the false choice of pitting the environment against the economy because, here, the environment is the economy,” said U.S. Senator Susan Collins. “I have long worked to advance innovative clean energy technologies that will help us fight climate change and create good-paying jobs. I am grateful for this recognition from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions for my efforts to preserve our nation’s stunning beauty for future generations.”
“I am honored to have the support of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. We must continue to embrace commonsense policies that reduce emissions, combat climate change, and grow the economy simultaneously in an all-of-the-above approach,” said U.S. Senator Cory Gardner.
“Thanks to capitalism and technological advancements, millions of Americans enjoy one of the cleanest environments and highest standards of living,” said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. “Now, more than ever, this innovative spirit is needed to address environmental issues, which is why I founded the Roosevelt Caucus to bring together congressional Republicans to tackle these problems. Addressing climate change and clean energy is an opportunity to put our knowledge and can-do spirit to work to protect the environment for our benefit today and for future generations.”
“I’m grateful to have received an endorsement from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. Energy independence is not only important for the preservation of our climate, but also the advancement of our national security. As long as I’m in the U.S. Senate, I will continue to fight for market-driven solutions that increase North Carolina’s clean and renewable energy capabilities,” said U.S. Senator Thom Tillis.
“I thank Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions for their endorsement. In Nevada, innovative sources of clean energy such as geothermal and solar are critical to preserving our climate, driving economic growth, and spurring local job creation,” said Congressman Mark Amodei. “In fact, at the end of last year, Nevada had more than 33,000 clean energy jobs. Unfortunately, we have lost nearly 5,000 clean energy jobs since the coronavirus pandemic. While our nation continues working to recover, Congress can and should take a leading role in facilitating the development of clean, dependable, and innovative energy solutions that will allow us to harness our own resources and continue creating jobs here at home. As a member of the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus, I realize that responsible stewardship of our environment means placing evidence-based policies and continuous research over political demagoguery, which is why I will continue working with my colleagues to advance common-sense reforms that will create jobs, lower energy costs, and preserve our environment for future generations.”
“I’m thankful for the CRES endorsement and proud that we have gained energy independence, while decreasing our carbon emissions by more than the next 12 countries combined. In doing this, I’ve supported tax incentives for growing our wind, solar, and geo-thermal energy capacity and advocated for research in battery storage and carbon capture technologies. I will continue to pursue increased energy independence, cleaner energy production, and a cleaner environment,” said Congressman Don Bacon.
“We need to stop offering the American people a false choice of inaction or economy-crushing regulations when it comes to climate change,” said Congressman Dan Crenshaw. “We can protect American energy independence, strengthen our economy, and reduce emissions all at the same time. That’s a top priority for me in Congress and I’m proud to receive the support of CRES in this fight.”
“I am excited to receive this endorsement from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions whose values deeply align with Utah’s 3rd district,” said Congressman John Curtis. “Being good stewards of the environment and growing the American economy are not mutually exclusive. I represent the youngest district in the country, and they expect Congress to enact laws that ensure we take care of our planet and help advance clean energy production for future generations. I look forward to combating climate change by advancing clean energy technologies, while also creating new good paying jobs across the country.”
“Thank you to Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions for joining our team! In Congress I will continue to support clean and responsible energy solutions,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. “We can simultaneously accomplish both environmental preservation and economic growth; these are not mutually exclusive goals. Green energy jobs are the growth industry of America’s future.”
“I am proud to have CRES’ support as we work to earn another term serving the people of South Louisiana: The case study for how innovation, adaptation, technology and smart policies can work together to ensure American energy and the environment both thrive,” said Congressman Garret Graves. “We’re excited to continue putting out policy solutions that enhance our country’s clean energy dominance.”
“I’m honored to be endorsed by the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. As a nation, we must work together to advance commonsense initiatives that preserve our environment for generations to come. In Congress, I’ve been a strong proponent of legislation that expands cleaner forms of energy, such as nuclear energy. Locally, I’ve worked tirelessly to support the James A. FitzPatrick and Nine Mile Point nuclear power facilities, which provide safe and clean nuclear power to thousands of local families, and employs hundreds of hardworking Central New Yorkers. Moving forward, I will continue this work to encourage the development of dependable, abundant and safe energy,” said Congressman John Katko.
“I’m humbled to receive this endorsement from the CRES and will continue to be a strong advocate for clean, reliable, affordable energy solutions. I know how important it is to advance energy independence and build up a strong energy supply, both for the good of our communities and to grow our economy. I’ve long been an advocate for nuclear energy, which is especially important in my district of Illinois, and I look forward to continuing my work with CRES on promoting safe and zero-emissions energy,” said Congressman Adam Kinzinger.
“Coastal communities like the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches know that it is vital to our economy that we do everything we can to protect our environment. That’s why I have worked across the aisle to combat harmful algal blooms and secure critical funding to restore the Everglades. Together I am confident that we can defend our waterways and make sure we prioritize environmental resiliency,” said Congressman Brian Mast.
“I’m honored and proud to receive an endorsement from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. Our nation’s energy renaissance has been one of the greatest developments in the industrialized world — and proven — we can put America first and be good stewards of our environment at the same time. Contrary to the radical command-and-control policies that Democrats are pushing, which do nothing to address the real problem that is global emissions — Republicans are working to ensure America can remain energy independent, grow American jobs, and export American energy around the world — all while creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment,” said Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.
“For years we have been pushing for an energy policy that focuses on innovation that allows America to utilize all of our energy sources more responsibly and efficiently. American research and ingenuity can develop the technologies we need to reduce emissions – carbon capture, advanced nuclear, battery storage, and more – while ensuring America continues to benefit from abundant and affordable energy. I appreciate the recognition and support of CRES and look forward to continuing my work on this vital issue,” said Congressman David McKinley.
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. We need to use free-market ideas to wholeheartedly pursue safe, reliable, and affordable clean energy solutions that lower carbon emissions and reduce our reliance on other countries without raising taxes. I’m glad to be among Republicans all across America stepping up to lead on conservation, energy independence, and clean energy innovation,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
“We appreciate this endorsement from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and their support of our efforts to advance smart clean energy policies,” said Congressman Tom Reed. “Effectively tackling climate change will require bipartisan solutions like our Energy Sector Innovation Tax Credit, which provides American entrepreneurs with the financial support they need to develop the technologies that will solve this crisis. We look forward to continuing our work as a bipartisan leader on this issue because we care about protecting our environment, boosting access to affordable power, and creating exciting new economic opportunities in New York’s 23rd district.”
“Promoting energy security, affordability and innovation helps grow North Country jobs and protect middle-class families from rising energy costs,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “I am proud to have earned this endorsement from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and will continue working across party lines to support greater energy independence and environmental stewardship across the 21st District.”
“I believe in an “all of the above” energy plan that focuses on emerging clean energy technologies like renewables as well as traditional energy solutions that keep costs low and energy affordable for Southwest Michigan families and businesses. This approach, mixed with commonsense updates to our outdated energy laws, will spur job creation, economic growth, and keep prices affordable for everyone while also protecting our beautiful natural resources,” Congressman Fred Upton said. “And I am proud to have the backing and support of a group that shares those values – Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.”
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Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) engages Republican policymakers and the public about responsible, conservative solutions to address our nation’s energy, economic, and environmental security while increasing America’s competitive edge.