Republican and Democrat Work Together on Climate Change

by Sharon Aron Baron February 9, 2016

by Sharon Aron Baron February 9, 2016 2 minutes read

0Shares

By: Sharon Aron Baron

A new caucus has been created the U.S House of Representatives on climate change and one of the co-chairs is a Republican.

This isn’t just a bunch of hot air either. Remember when Governor Rick Scott’s office had an unofficial policy not to use the terms climate change and global warming? None of the current Republican candidates for President accept mainstream climate science either, so this is why the creation of the Climate Solutions Caucus created by Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), the first bipartisan task force on climate change in the U.S House of Representatives is so monumental.

As co-chairs of the Climate Solutions Caucus, Reps. Deutch and Curbelo will hold events aimed at educating members on the threats that climate change poses to our economy, security, environment, and infrastructure and exploring bipartisan, economically-viable solutions to these challenges.

“In recent years, conversations about climate change have stalled amid a partisan climate in Washington, and Congressman Curbelo and I agree it’s time to turn the page,” said Rep. Deutch who represents Coral Springs, Parkland, and the western portion of Palm Beach County. “The launch of the Climate Solutions Caucus sends a powerful message not just to our colleagues in the House but to the American people that a bipartisan dialogue on climate change is actually possible. I believe there’s a real appetite in Congress for bipartisan solutions on climate change, and I look forward to working with Congressman Curbelo to bring more members from across the country and across the aisle on board.”

It’s only fitting that that the two co-chairs are from South Florida. Half the area that surrounds Miami is less than five feet above sea level. Its highest natural elevation, a limestone ridge that runs from Palm Beach to just south of the city, averages a scant 12 feet. The latest research suggests that sea level could rise more than six feet by the end of the century.

“I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus, the first bipartisan caucus to address climate change in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rep. Curbelo who represents Miami and the Keys. “By exploring policy options that address the impacts of a changing climate we can effectively mitigate the inevitable effects it will have on our environment, as well as our economy. I commend my fellow Co-Chair, Congressman Ted Deutch for his unrelenting commitment to environmental stewardship. I look forward to working with him to ensure the protection of Florida’s communities and our nation as a whole.”

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.