Three Republicans join climate change caucus

Three House Republicans have joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to addressing the threat posed by climate change.

Reps. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.), Pete Roskam (R-Ill.) and Erik Paulsen (R-Wis.) joined the Climate Solutions Caucus this week alongside two Democratic lawmakers, Reps. Elliot Engel (N.Y.) and Ron Kind (Wis.), bringing the total number of lawmakers in the caucus to 78.

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The group, which is split evenly among Republicans and Democrats, released a statement saying members were excited to see the group growing in an election year. Paulsen filled a slot vacated by Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.), who resigned earlier this year.

“I’m grateful these new members are willing to step up and turn their concern into action by joining and welcome their valuable input,” said Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), the caucus chair.

MacArthur, whose district represents parts of southern New Jersey, said in his own statement that climate change poses a major threat to his district’s coastal economy.

“Climate change and other environmental issues directly impact our area and our South Jersey economy. I am proud to join the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus to find practical solutions to the environmental challenges we face,” he wrote.

The three Republicans joining the caucus are all facing difficult reelection races in November, with Democrats making them top targets in the midterm elections.

Roskam and Paulsen’s districts are both listed by the Cook Political Report as toss-up races, while MacArthur’s district is listed as leaning Republican.