Senator Graham's Climate Leadership Is True Conservatism in Action

October 14, 2009

Senator Lindsey Graham’s leadership on climate change is a bold example of true conservatism that his fellow Republicans in Congress should follow, Republicans for Environmental Protection, a national grassroots organization, said today.

"We are very pleased with the New York Times op-ed that Senator Graham co-authored with Senator Kerry. The most important thing that Congress must do to address climate change is to put a price on carbon emissions. That can only happen if there is conservative Republican input and buy-in. Thanks to Senator Graham’s leadership, the odds for passing an effective, balanced bill have improved greatly," David Jenkins, REP vice president for government and political affairs, said.

"Senator Graham is showing what true conservatism means," Jenkins said. "True conservatives take risks to our country seriously, and they take responsibility by supporting prudent measures to reduce those risks. That’s what Ronald Reagan did two decades ago when he pushed through the Montreal Protocol to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting gases, and that’s what Senator Graham is doing today," Jenkins said.

"Like his friend and ally, Senator John McCain, Senator Graham is willing to expend political capital to solve a problem that threatens our country’s security, economy, and quality of life. We applaud his courage. We strongly urge Republicans and Democrats to follow his example by working together in good faith to frame balanced climate legislation that a broad majority of Americans can support," Jim DiPeso, REP vice president for policy and communications, said.

"Climate change is too important an issue to abandon to partisan politics as usual. Responsible Republicans and Democrats must put country above party, and work together to find solutions that work. Senator Graham has taken a bold step forward towards that end," DiPeso said.