Georgia Mountain News

Washington, D.C. — The Conservative Climate Caucus has announced the appointment of five new Vice Chairs for the 118th Congress. The newly appointed Vice Chairs are Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR). These additions come alongside the reappointment of Representative John Curtis (R-UT) as Chair and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) as Vice Chair.

In a statement, Rep. Buddy Carter expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside Chairman Curtis and his fellow Vice Chairs to strengthen and expand the caucus. Carter emphasized the importance of conservative voices in climate discussions, stating, "If conservatives are scared to talk about the climate, then we're not going to have a seat at the table when decisions are made." He further emphasized the need for productive discussions on protecting the environment and promoting clean energy solutions without hindering growth and innovation.

Chairman Curtis also expressed his excitement about the success of the caucus, which has grown to include 85 members since its inception less than three years ago. He commended the engagement of the members and expressed optimism for continued success.

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, who represents coastal Virginia, highlighted the region's commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources. She stated, "Coastal Virginians know how to protect our beautiful beaches, coastal waterways, and expansive wetlands while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars."

Congressman Greg Murphy, representing North Carolina's coastal communities, emphasized the need for dynamic mitigation and adaptation strategies. He underscored the importance of conservatives engaging with climate and environmental issues, stating, "We cannot dismiss our responsibility to protect the world around us and the opportunity to bring objectivity to a field dominated by emotionally driven, one-sided ideology."

Representative Tim Walberg expressed gratitude for Chairman Curtis' leadership and his role in shaping the caucus's solutions-oriented message on climate and energy issues. Walberg emphasized the importance of crafting American policy to ensure abundant, affordable, secure, clean, and reliable energy. He emphasized the potential for American ingenuity and innovation to lead the world in reducing emissions.

Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, representing Oregon, highlighted the state's leading role in clean energy production. She expressed her commitment to working on policies that protect the environment without overregulation or restricting domestic energy production. Chavez-DeRemer stressed the need for an all-of-the-above approach to lower costs for families and small businesses.

The Conservative Climate Caucus aims to educate House Republicans on climate and energy issues through briefings and trips. The caucus acknowledges the reality of climate change and the contribution of global industrialization to this phenomenon. However, they also emphasize the role of private sector innovation, American resources, and investment in research and development in reducing emissions and providing affordable energy.

The announcement of these new Vice Chairs strengthens the caucus's leadership and commitment to addressing climate and energy challenges from a conservative perspective.