Senator Bennet’s op-ed is a long-needed cry for American leaders to find common ground on climate solutions. He didn’t use his print space to cheerlead a slice of his faithful followers. Instead, Senator Bennet stepped up to show national leadership on the most critical issue of our time.
He’s not leading a party flank or wing or interest group. He’s leading Americans toward a livable world for our children and grandchildren. He’s leading 535 members of the U.S. Senate and House to stop weaponizing the climate discussion and find consensus solutions for a problem that threatens our economy, our health, and our future.
The loudest, angriest voices are driving what we hear about climate change in the news and social media. But underneath that layer of nastiness are thoughtful legislators like Senator Bennet; respected political leaders like George Schultz and James Baker; energy corporations like Exxon-Mobil, Shell and BP; and millions of Americans who know that we can solve this problem together. Americans have done hard things before.
Like Senator Bennet, I’m a proud Coloradan. I spent Tuesday on Capitol Hill as a new volunteer for Citizen’s Climate Lobby. With my heart in my throat, I spoke with legislative staffers about a bi-partisan Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal that will reduce emissions and stimulate the economy. I’m hoping Representative Tipton will join the bi-partisan House Climate Solutions Caucus, which now has 30 Republicans and 30 Democrats talking together about climate change policy. The western states are under-represented on the caucus and we need to be part of the debate.
I urge Senator Cory Gardner to join hands with Senator Bennet on his call for thoughtful action on climate. Our Colorado senators work well together on local issues and regularly co-sponsor legislation.
To borrow a phrase from The West Wing TV show: Now is the time for American heroes. Michael Bennet has stepped up to the plate.
Powering Forward 
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