WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that he has joined the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan effort that brings together Republican, Democratic, and Independent members of the Senate to find bipartisan solutions to address climate change. In addition to Senator King, members of the Climate Solutions Caucus include Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mitt Romney, (R-Utah), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Michael Bennet (D-N.H.), and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

“The threats of climate change don’t end at party lines, and our work to mitigate these effects can’t either,” said Senator King. “The impacts of this crisis are already being felt in Maine; the Gulf of Maine, which plays a vital role in both our economy and our culture, is warming faster than 99% of the world’s oceans. This is the most serious global challenge of our time, and we have areas of bipartisan agreement where we can start working together to make much-needed progress. I’m ready to join with any of my colleagues – from any political party and any corner of the country – to take meaningful steps that will protect the planet for our children and grandchildren.”

A forceful advocate for clean energy solutions wherever they can be found, Senator King is the lead sponsor on a range of bills that encourage energy efficiency such as the Next Generation Grid Resources and Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act to improve energy independence, foster innovation, and leverage federal resources to support a more resilient and modern electric grid. In a May hearing, Senator King highlighted the grave dangers posed by rapidly rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere, and emphasized the importance of global collaboration in order to fully and effectively respond to the threats of climate change. In April, he published a column on Earth Day laying out the ambitious and attainable steps America must take to respond to the challenges of climate change. In February, Senator King took to the Senate floor to urge action on climate change. He strongly opposed the Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.

The Senate Climate Solutions Caucus will meet regularly and convene experts from across the political spectrum and private sector to seek common ground and craft bipartisan solutions. The caucus will operate by the principle of unanimous consent, acting only when each member agrees.