The House Conservative Climate Caucus has chosen Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) as its new leader, replacing the founder Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah).
Miller-Meeks, who is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, has participated in every COP climate summit since she was elected to the House in 2020, and has always supported options other than fossil fuels, like nuclear power and biofuels, which are important in Iowa. Miller-Meeks is the only Iowan in the caucus.
However, she also has a lifetime score of 12 percent from the League of Conservation Voters, who criticized her for her votes against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) car and truck standards and against protections for the lesser prairie chicken.
The Iowa congresswoman has been the vice chair of the caucus since 2023.
“The U.S. is a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while increasing energy production,” Miller-Meeks stated. “As I take over leadership of the Caucus, I am eager to continue promoting a strategy that includes all possibilities to ensure U.S. energy dominance with a globally competitive economy, while also reducing emissions for a cleaner, healthier planet.”
“I am thrilled to pass the responsibility to one of the most efficient and ambitious members of the Republican Conference to keep our Caucus moving forward,” Curtis commented. “Rep. Miller-Meeks has consistently championed energy and climate issues, effectively representing her rural and energy-rich district.”
Curtis, who established the Conservative Climate Caucus in 2021, is leaving to run in the GOP primary for retiring Sen. Mitt Romney’s (R-Utah) seat. The caucus has acknowledged the scientific agreement on climate change, setting it apart from many GOP leaders including former President Trump, and has called for solutions that involve cooperation from private businesses and avoid forceful elimination of fossil fuels.
