The first new GOP members to join the House Climate Solutions Caucus in 2018 are South Carolina’s Rep. Mark Sanford and New York’s Rep. Dan Donovan.
“For over 30 years, I have seen the ever-so-gradual effects of rising sea levels at our farm on the South Carolina coast. I’ve watched once-thriving pine trees die in that fragile zone between uplands and salt marshes,” Sanford said in a statement. “To me, the idea that we should be good stewards of what we’ve been given simply makes sense.” Donovan noted the devastating impacts Superstorm Sandy had on his state in 2012. “Five years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated Staten Island and other parts of New York City and just this year we saw hurricanes and wildfires ravage our nation,” he said. “Extreme weather events pose a significant risk to the safety of millions of Americans, businesses and properties, and we must act now to confront these challenges.”
Floridians Rep. Carlos Curbelo and Rep. Ted Deutch founded the bipartisan caucus as a meeting point for members to discussand act uponclimate policy. The group is up to 66 members, 33 from each party.