Event Recap: The Climate Agenda on Capitol Hill – A Conversation with Congressman John Curtis (R-UT)
On April 5, the American Security Project hosted an event titled “The Climate Agenda on Capitol Hill – A Conversation with Congressman John Curtis (R-UT).” Congressman Curtis, chairman of the Conservative Climate Caucus, joined ASP CEO Patrick C. Costello to discuss his views on the climate agenda on Capitol Hill, the work of his Caucus, and the future of renewable energy and climate mitigation.
Given its politicization, the conversation opened with what it means to be a conservative concerned with climate change. Congressman Curtis spoke about how many of his colleagues are aware of the devastating impacts of climate change and want to voice their ideas on how to transition to renewable energy sources.
The discussion shifted to the current work the Conservative Climate Caucus is conducting to educate Republican members, tackle legislative solutions, and engage Democrats. The Congressman noted points of bipartisan agreement on the importance of innovation in storing renewable energy and the need to emphasize emerging technology such as fusion and hydrogen.
The dialogue then emphasized the need to discuss nuclear energy and fusion more consistently, for Congressman Curtis believes these energy sources are the future. Additionally, the Congressman considered farmers as another critical component of keeping carbon in the ground.
Lastly, Congressman Curtis spoke about the need to focus on climate change in a broader context. He believes that the focus should stay on the realities of a warming climate where the planet will continue to warm despite countries’ best efforts. Therefore a particular emphasis should be placed on climate mitigation which will become increasingly important in the future.
