ICYMI: we followed some (okay, numerous) races and ballot initiatives. Here’s a run down the results of races with specific climate implications.
The co-founder of the House Climate Solutions Caucus, Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL-26), is coming back to Congress, having won 53 percent of the vote. On the flip side, Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13), Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL-10), and Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY-19) are not returning to Congress (loss, loss, retirement).
Floridian voters defeated Florida Solar Amendment 1, a constitutional amendment that would have discouraged solar installation in the Sunshine State by clearing the way for power companies to assess fees on solar customers. We applaud our solar advocate friends who worked tirelessly on defeating that measure.
Sadly, Washington State’s carbon tax ballot initiative (I-732) to impose the nation’s first statewide carbon tax was defeated 58%-42%.
Climate denier Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) won his rematch against former Sen. Russ Feingold. Founding member of the Senate Energy and Environment Working Group Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) narrowly lost reelection. Also, ecoright advocate Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) lost his bid for another term.
We are continuing to analyze the climate path in President-elect Trump’s administration and will update you here. Meanwhile, in the days and weeks ahead, as lawmakers and citizens plot the path forward, the ecoright will continue to advocate for free enterprise solutions to climate change, and we welcome climate realists to our community.