Four lawmakers join House Climate Solutions Caucus

Four lawmakers, two Republicans and two Democrats, joined the House Climate Solutions Caucus on Tuesday, according to a press release from the group.

Reps. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), Dan Donovan (R-N.Y.), Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn) and David Cicilline (D-R.I.) all joined the group, which seeks bipartisan solutions to climate change issues such as carbon emissions and rising sea levels.

The caucus, formed in February of last year, is chaired by Florida Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R) and Ted Deutch (D). It splits its membership evenly among Democrats and Republicans.

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In his statement, Sanford cited rising sea levels afflicting his family farm in South Carolina as a way the effects of climate change have become a personal issue.

“For over 30 years, I have seen the ever-so-gradual effects of rising sea levels at our farm on the South Carolina coast. I’ve watched once-thriving pine trees die in that fragile zone between uplands and salt marshes,” Sanford said in a statement. “To me, the idea that we should be good stewards of what we’ve been given simply makes sense.”

Donovan, meanwhile, cited the devastating damage of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which caused at least $75 billion in damages in New York and the surrounding region. 

“Five years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated Staten Island and other parts of New York City — and just this year we saw hurricanes and wildfires ravage our nation,” the New York Republican said.

“Extreme weather events pose a significant risk to the safety of millions of Americans, businesses and properties, and we must act now to confront these challenges.”

The Climate Solutions Caucus has been credited with warming House Republican attitudes toward climate change and environmental legislation, and has grown steadily since its founding over a year ago.