December! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. I understand that some of you roll your eyes at my enthusiasm for winter, but I cannot contain my glee. Even temps in the 20s and 30s this week did not crush my spirit. In a year that is likely to be the hottest on record, I’ll take it.
This week’s must read: When the Wall Street Journal editorial board went after the carbon border fee bill introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, he clapped back. His scathing response was posted on Black Friday (perhaps a slow news day?) so here is what he had to say:
“I have never read a more pro-China, pro-Russia, anti-American editorial in the Journal than the one regarding my Foreign Pollution Fee Act (“Republicans for a Carbon Tax,” Nov. 20). The FPFA seeks to recognize the challenges U.S. manufacturers and workers face by placing a tariff on excess Chinese emissions. It puts the U.S. on equal footing with Chinese manufacturers who cheat and pollute to gain a competitive advantage.
China can minimize the fee by adhering to the same environmental standards as U.S.-based manufacturers. Is that too much to ask?
Lower environmental compliance costs encourage companies to locate manufacturing in China, which now emits a third of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The Chinese Communist Party has used the country’s growth to build up its military and fund the Belt and Road Initiative and other projects to impose its will on the world.
The editorial board and I do agree on something: The Biden administration’s push to eliminate U.S. energy production is wrongheaded. This is why I introduced the Repair Act, a first-of-its-kind judicial-reform proposal for permitted projects. Together, a package of domestic permitting reforms and the FPFA address the nexus of national, economic, energy and environmental security in a way favorable to the U.S.
I know you understand the necessity of deterring China. Ignoring environmental norms is part of a Chinese economic strategy that finances its military rise.”
EcoRight Speaks, Season 7, Episode 17: Nate Adams and Alexander Gard-Murray, home electrification experts
The HVAC dudes…. that’s how I’ve been referring to this week’s guests, heat pump/home electrification experts Nate Adams and Alexander Gard-Murray. And gurus they are! They offers lots of great insighs and advice on how and why to replace your furance with a heat pump so buckle up and tune in!
Some handy websites to check out:
- Nate the House Whisperer – read free chapters or buy The Home Comfort Book
- HVAC 2.0 – a program for HVAC contractors to reliably and profitably solve client problems regardless of difficulty using building science
- Electrify Everything – take the free course to learn how to electrify your home!
- The Greenhouse Institute
Coming up next week, Politico report Zach Colman and I talk about what he’s looking to come out of COP28, which kicked off this week in Dubai.
The COP starts now:
The annual global climate conference kicked off this week in Dubai, UAE, with a strong Congressional Delegation due to attend the latter part of the two-week event.
As we previously shared, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers is leading the bipartisan group, which also includes Reps. Bill Johnson, Jeff Duncan, and Kelly Armstrong.
Rep. John Curtis, founder and leader of the Conservative Climate Caucus, will also be attending. Of the spike in interest in the COP, Curtis noted: “I think it’s a loud message that Republicans and Democrats are engaging thoughtfully— yes, we do have differences— but we’re thoughtful in a dialogue and a debate about how to reduce emissions.”
And the Senate will have its own bipartisan delegation as well. We will update you on any progress made at the talks.
Make every day Giving Tuesday:
It’s not too late to contribute to the work we collectively do here at republicen.org. We only ask for help this one time of year, so if you have space in your budget, considering making a tax deductible donation in support of rallying conservative voices behind climate action!
This is where I leave you! See you next week!