The time for practical energy solutions is now

By Mariannette Miller-Meeks

As we confront the challenges of reducing global emissions, I want to assure you that House Republicans are not sitting idly by. Now, more than ever we need pragmatic solutions to pave the way to a cleaner, healthier planet for our children and grandchildren. Republicans have been actively working on legislation that both reduces emissions, generates abundant and affordable energy, and protects the American people from overreaching federal mandates.

On the other hand, you have radical environmentalists and Democrats who love to talk about the problem, but never the solution.

For example, let’s talk about the Green New Deal. It falls well short in offering reasonable solutions to address our increasing energy demand with affordable, abundant, and reliable energy sources. It also fails to acknowledge China’s role as the primary challenge to global emissions reduction. Instead, its policies reward China with green energy credits and lead to brownouts and sky-high energy prices, as we’ve seen play out in Germany over the past 2 years.

Just recently, I was named the next Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus. The Caucus was founded by Rep. John Curtis (UT-3), with the goal of finding solutions that are both practical and consistent with conservative values.

As I step into my role as Chair, my focus and the focus of this Caucus is clear: to champion conservative solutions that reduce emissions without hindering our economic growth or limiting our energy options. We believe in fostering innovation and investing in research to develop cleaner energy sources that benefit both our environment and our economy, and most importantly keep energy affordable and plentiful.

We’re making progress. In 2023 alone, the United States cut emissions by 3 percent, outpacing many other nations including China. Our efforts in oil and gas production have also set global standards for cleanliness, demonstrating our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship while ensuring energy security. Additionally, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) is approximately 40 percent lower than the gas supplied by Russia, the second largest exporter of LNG.

As Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, I am dedicated to implementing effective and practical solutions that benefit all Americans. However, the caucus will also oppose measures that limit choice for Americans, contribute to energy poverty, impose undue hardships on families, and hinder the ability of American businesses to compete globally.

In our fight for a cleaner, healthier planet, House Republicans will continue leading the charge with bottom-up policies, where economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.