Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, of Oregon’s 5th District, announced this week that she has joined the Conservative Climate Caucus, a group of Republican lawmakers who say they want to advance climate policies consistent with conservative values. The caucus is led by Utah Representative John Curtis.
“There’s only one planet Earth, and it’s our responsibility to leave it better than we found it so our children and grandchildren can live happy, healthy lives,” Chavez-DeRemer said in a press release. “From mountains and valleys to forests and lakes, Oregon is home to a beautiful, scenic landscape that you can’t find anywhere else.
“It’s our duty to protect it. Addressing climate change should not be a partisan issue. I’m excited to work with my colleagues on climate-friendly policies that protect our environment without overregulating or restricting energy production.”
She joins Cliff Bentz, Oregon’s other — and before Chavez-DeRemer’s election in November 2022, only — Republican congressional representative as the state’s only members of the caucus.
“I am thrilled to have Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer be the first new member to join the Conservative Climate Caucus, showing her desire to be a leader on this important issue,” Curtis said. “Her membership and participation will help us bring conservative ideas to the climate and energy space.
“Lori knows, just as many in the West do, the importance of an all of the above energy approach to provide constituents, especially in rural areas, the cleanest, least expensive energy.”
The Conservative Climate Caucus recognizes that climate change is real and that global industrialization has contributed to it. But its statement of principles also recognizes that private-sector innovation and significant investments in research and development have helped propel the U.S. to be a global leader in reducing emissions.
To that end, the caucus will work to ensure other countries, including China, are doing their part to reduce emissions. The group believes practical solutions to climate change can be found through innovation embraced by the free market and that the U.S., and the world, wants access to cheaper, reliable and cleaner energy.
The caucus’ goal is to reduce emissions without restricting domestic energy production — taking an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy.
Chavez-DeRemer is also a member of the Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over conservation policy, forestry, and other critical issues impacting Oregon and the 5th District.
