Tuesday would be a lot cuter if it were Friday.
Here’s the Tuesday news.
Today’s must read: Carbon tax war among conservatives heats up (Washington Examiner)
Caucus nears 60: The House Climate Solutions Caucus added two more members, bringing the bipartisan group up to 58, nearly triple the size it was in the last Congress. Michigan’s Rep. Jack Bergmana former three-star general in the Marine Corps and the highest-ranking military officer ever to serve in Congressis the latest Republican to join ranks. Earlier this year, in a town hall meeting he told constituents asking about climate change that “we as human beings have the responsibility to look at everything.”
“The real-world implications of sea level rise have been on display for all to see in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean following Hurricanes, Harvey, Irma and Maria,” Caucus co-founder Rep. Carlos Curbelo said in response to the expansion. “I’m grateful these members are willing to step up and turn their concern into action by joining the Climate Solutions Caucus. This growing bipartisan coalition will be critical to ensuring Congress makes finding solutions to this issue a priority.”
Hayhoe on hurricanes: On Sunday, Katharine Hayhoe appeared on the CBS news program 60 Minutes, where she details how climate change could make hurricanes stronger. Her remarks begin around the four minute mark. “More energy, more power will be available to hurricanes in the future, enabling them to intensify faster if conditions are right, as well as become more intense… we’re starting to see it.”
Protecting Pruitt: EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has a round-the-clock security detail now numbering 18 agents. Amid a proposal to cut the agency’s budget by more than 30 percent, the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurances is seeking a waiver to the hiring freeze in order to add more bodyguards. Most of these agents are not trained in personal protection but in environmental compliance.
As our thoughts remain with fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, we leave you with this sobering tweet:
Hurricane Maria has left Puerto Rico in ruins, and climate change is setting the stage for storms more like it. #ClimateFacts #YEARSproject pic.twitter.com/UzoTkYOltD
YEARS (@YEARSofLIVING) September 25, 2017