A place for all parties to talk climate change

After TV cameras were turned off at the District 1 Congressional Republican debate in Whitefish I had the opportunity to ask the candidates a question about climate change.

Most of Montana is seized by drought. Last year swaths of Montana had “Exceptional” drought, the worst it gets. Scientists say climate change is making it much worse. Rising temperatures means more evaporation.

The debate touched on the devastation our farmers and ranchers are experiencing from drought. Given all this, I asked what conservative solutions to climate change they supported.

Most of what I heard can be summed up as “no reason to even ask.”

I disagree. Polling shows Republicans, especially younger Republicans, are concerned about climate change. Some Republicans are speaking up, like Congressman Curtis in Utah.

In Montana, it sometimes seems there is no place for conservatives to talk about climate change. But, there is with Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). Climate change is not just a single-party issue. It affects all of us.

At CCL we promote bipartisan market-based policy. Carbon Cash-Backs make big polluters pay us, driving them to use clean energy. Also, Europe and Canada’s planned border carbon taxes are coming soon. Taxing carbon at our border will keep America competitive and eliminate free-riding by other more polluting countries.

Tired of politics? Want to talk solutions? Join us! All are welcome. cclusa.org/join

Robin Paone, Whitefish