In a recent interview on Inside Sources, Utah’s most outspoken conservative climate advocate, Rep. John Curtis, pointed to the meeting he hosted in his home state last week as evidence there is interest in the GOP caucus in learning and acting on climate change.
“We said if we get half a dozen here it will be a success. Twenty-four Republican lawmakers came to Utah to talk about climate,” Curtis said. “I think the a-ha moment was they’re not alone. Sometimes as Republicans, you feel a little bit alone…And the second a-ha moment . . . is when they realize they do not need to abandon conservative principles to be strong on the environment.”
Curtis is soon to announce the formation of his conservative climate caucus, a venue for members to learn about the science and different policy options. “Watch for us to take the offensive on the climate dialogue and stop being defensive,” he explained, “That’s, I think, the most important thing for conservatives and Republicans now is to stop running from this and turn around and say wait a minute, we have ideas, they’re good ideas.”