Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), who was a featured speaker at this year’s National Clean Energy Week Policy Makers Symposium, along with his colleague Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), just launched the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. Senator Braun has already demonstrated his clean energy chops as a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
The formation of the caucus was covered by NBC News and The Hill.
Like the House of Representatives Climate Solutions Caucus, the Senate caucus will share ideas and facilitate discussion between Republicans and Democrats about economically viable solutions for addressing climate change. Its work should also mirror the House’s in supporting the development of domestic clean energy. It is very likely that some legislative ideas will emerge from the caucus in the coming years that will create jobs and secure America’s energy future.
“Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions applauds the leadership of Senator Mike Braun and Senator Chris Coons in establishing the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the Senate,” said CRES Executive Director Heather Reams in a statement following the announcement. “CRES looks forward to working with members of the Caucus to enact innovative, pro-growth federal policies that balance the economic, energy and environmental needs of our nation.”
The two senators also wrote an op-ed in The Hill announcing the formation of the caucus.
“Today, we are launching the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group of senators who, like the Americans we serve, believe Congress should play a central role in guiding America’s 21st century energy economy and addressing the challenge of a changing climate,” they wrote. “Our caucus seeks to take the politics out of this important issue. Instead, members will commit to an honest dialogue, through which we can develop solutions that solidify American environmental leadership, promote American workers, and make meaningful progress on protecting our environment.
We look forward to working with our colleagues to address this challenge in a way that strengthens our competitiveness, grows our economy, and creates opportunity for American workers. This bipartisan caucus is an important step forward.”
Without a doubt, this is a huge benchmark for the conservative clean energy movement. CRES will be following the caucus’s activities closely, and we will be sure to keep you updated on a regular basis about its activities. Check our blog for updates or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
