Curbelo's Cancelled Climate Testimony and the 'Middle Ground'

House Democrats disinvited former Congressman Carlos Curbelo from a climate change hearing this week, just days before the Florida Republican was scheduled to testify. Did the Dems prioritize politics over finding climate solutions?

In this episode we're joined by Curbelo, a strong advocate for a national carbon tax, to get his view of what happened (15:15). Plus co-hosts Shane Skelton and Brandon Hurlbut spar over what this political play says about the future of climate action in the U.S. 

We also delve into reports of Joe Biden’s “middle ground” climate plan. Reuters says Biden plans to "appeal to both environmentalists and the blue-collar voters who elected Donald Trump.”

The former Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate has yet to officially release a climate platform, but the backlash has already begun — including from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Recommended Reading:

• Reuters: Presidential hopeful Biden looking for a ‘middle ground’ on climate policy
• ABC: Ocasio-Cortez attacks Biden on climate change policy, Biden says he's 'never been middle of the road'
• The Hill: Dems cancel plans to bring in Republican as climate change witness
• Washington Examiner: Landmark hearing exposes climate change gulf among Republicans and Democrats
• Former Congressman Curbelo’s testimony

Political Climate is produced in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

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