Republicans’ commitment to advancing pragmatic energy solutions for reducing emissions was front and center at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai (COP28). Held at the official U.S. Center in the COP28 Blue Zone, CRES Forum President and Conservative Climate Foundation (CCF) Chair Heather Reams sat down with Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) to discuss how the U.S. can continue to lead the world in reducing emissions and providing more reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy.
The panelists emphasized the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach and the role technological investment and innovation play in reducing global emissions. As the panelists outlined, American innovation is not only important for protecting our domestic interests but also sets the U.S. up as a leader on the global stage.
“Democracy, capitalism, cheap and affordable energy have lifted more people in the world out of poverty than pretty much everything combined after that,” said Rep. Armstrong (R-N.D.), Vice Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. “The United States has a great story to tell, and as we continue toward these different goals, the United States is part of the solution, and we really want to be part of those conversations.”
“For us to be a leader a world leader, it’s important for us to share our knowledge, our expertise, and our innovation,” said Rep. Carter (R-Ga.). “I always say the greatest innovators in the world are in the United States of America, and I truly believe that it’s our responsibility as the democratic leaders in the world to make sure that we’re sharing that kind of philosophy and that kind of expertise.”
In closing remarks, Heather Reams asked each of the panelists if they planned to return to COP next year. The answer was a resounding yes. First time attendees Reps. Carter and Armstrong, as well as longtime COP veteran Rep. Miller-Meeks, agreed that Republican participation on global climate and energy issues is key to ensuring that clean energy transitions prioritize reliability and economic growth.
“I look forward to coming back to COP because every single one of us want a cleaner, healthier planet for our children and our grandchildren, but we know that the U.S. has to be able to compete economically around the world, continue to raise people out of poverty, and continue to create wealth which allows us to reinvest in having that cleaner, healthier environment,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa).
CRES Forum looks forward to continuing working with these lawmakers back home on commonsense energy policy that reduces emissions, grows the economy, and increases America’s competitive edge on a global scale. You can watch the full U.S. Center discussion HERE.