Climate Solutions Caucus, Founded by Florida Congressmen, Established in the Senate

Last week, the Climate Solutions Caucus--which was founded by two South Florida congressmen-expanded to the U.S. Senate.

Founded by U.S. Reps. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., and Ted Deutch, D-Fla., at the start of 2016, the Climate Solutions Caucus defines it mission as “to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and to explore bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate. 

Deutch continues to lead the caucus but U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., who joined it last year, took over from Curbelo who was defeated for a third term in 2018. 

Last week, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., launched the caucus in the Senate 

“The caucus will bring together an equal number of Republicans and Democrats to find common ground on solutions to address climate change while strengthening American competitiveness and creating opportunities for U.S. workers,” Coons’ office noted. 

“I am determined to find solutions to the real problems facing our country and our world,” said Coons on Thursday. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and in order to tackle it, we must act in a bipartisan way. I’m proud to launch the first Senate Climate Solutions Caucus with Senator Braun to take the politics out of this important issue and lay the foundation for real, meaningful solutions that can be signed into law.”

“As a life-long conservationist, I am proud to launch the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus with Senator Chris Coons,” said Braun. “For too long, Washington has been paralyzed by partisan gamesmanship, unable to have productive conversations about our changing climate. Through this caucus we can have real conversations about protecting our environment, securing American’s energy future and protecting American manufacturing jobs.”

Deutch weighed in last week as the Senate caucus was launched. 

“You only have to look at the millions of people who marched last month demanding action on climate change to sense the urgency felt by people here at home and around the world,” Deutch said. “We have no time to waste. I'm proud that in the House we've brought Democrats and Republicans together for substantive discussions on climate change and developed legislative approaches to this growing threat. Now, I'm grateful to have Senator Coons and Senator Braun as partners as we work together to confront this crisis."