River Bend Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Conservative Climate Caucus announced Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) as the new Chair, succeeding John Curtis (UT-03) who has transitioned to an advisory role. Miller-Meeks expressed her gratitude towards Curtis for his leadership in founding and growing the Caucus, stating, "I am grateful for Rep. Curtis’ leadership on founding and growing the Conservative Climate Caucus."

In an interview with E&E News, Miller-Meeks addressed the focus of Republicans on U.S. energy independence and emissions reduction goals. She highlighted the efforts made by the U.S. in reducing emissions through innovations in shale and fracking technologies, emphasizing the importance of delivering affordable energy while lowering emissions. Miller-Meeks stated, "For people who are watching the Energy and Commerce Committee hearings on these issues, they would hear Republicans talk a lot about how the U.S. has reduced emissions and, primarily through the shale and fracking innovations that have come about, how that’s helped us to lower emissions while also delivering affordable energy to individuals."

She also emphasized the Republican stance on climate change and emissions reduction, mentioning the party's focus on reducing emissions through renewables and promoting a cleaner, healthier planet. Miller-Meeks stated, "[Republicans] know the climate is changing, but we want to focus on reducing emissions rather than focus on the energy source, but also how we can reduce emissions through renewables — the whole gamut of renewables, rather than forcing mandates … Republicans are both wanting to have a growing economy that competes globally, which we know energy is a part of, while also reducing emissions and helping to promote a cleaner, healthier planet."

Looking ahead, Miller-Meeks expressed the caucus's aspirations to expand its membership and engage in various activities to promote innovation and leadership in energy and emissions reduction. She stated, "All of us have an understanding that we want the caucus to continue to expand both in membership … and to start doing more trips, start looking at ways that we can look at policy, hold briefings and roundtables as some of the other caucuses do in order to promote all of the great innovation and leadership that the United States has had in both energy and in reducing emissions."

Miller-Meeks' appointment as the Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus marks a new chapter in the caucus's efforts to advocate for a balanced approach towards energy dominance, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.