Climate change, a topic once fiercely contested along partisan lines, is witnessing a cautious thaw within the Republican party. The driving force behind this shift? The Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC), a brainchild of Congressman John Curtis (R-UT).
Founded in 2019, the CCC has become a surprisingly large group within the House, boasting over 80 members. This rapid growth can be attributed to Curtis's unique approach: fostering dialogue and education, rather than demanding immediate policy positions.
The mere existence of the CCC represents a significant evolution for the GOP. A decade ago, climate change was often dismissed as a hoax or a phenomenon with negligible human impact. Today, the CCC acknowledges the reality of climate change and its connection to human activity.
This "positive evolution," as termed by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), isn't without its caveats. The CCC believes fossil fuels will remain crucial for the foreseeable future, advocating for emission reduction strategies instead of complete phase-out. This stance puts them at odds with many environmental groups and the Biden administration's agenda.
The CCC's approach isn't without its critics. Environmental groups like the League of Conservation Voters view their opposition to green policies as a roadblock to solutions. However, the growing Republican engagement on climate resonates with a younger demographic. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found two-thirds of Republicans aged 18-29 support carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal championed by President Biden.
Curtis, a former mayor known for clean air initiatives, recognized the need for a nuanced conversation. He established a platform for dialogue, hosting roundtables featuring experts ranging from climate czars to cleantech CEOs. These discussions, coupled with field trips and summits, aimed to educate members and foster a sense of ownership on the issue.
Despite the CCC's success, some members find talking climate politically risky. Rep. Timothy Walberg (R-MI) acknowledges the presence of "secret participants" hesitant to go public. Walberg, however, tackles the issue head-on with constituents, demonstrating a conservative approach to climate action.
Curtis, now a leading contender for the Senate seat vacated by Mitt Romney, faces a delicate balancing act – promoting his environmental efforts while maintaining his conservative credentials. Climate change, he argues, is just one piece of the puzzle, but "it all gets lost" because of the rarity of Republicans willing to engage on the issue.
The CCC's success lies in its ability to create a safe space for discussion within the GOP. Whether this translates to concrete policy solutions remains to be seen. Nevertheless, in a politically polarized landscape, the CCC serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that bipartisanship on climate change might not be a distant dream after all.
