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The bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the House of Representatives now boasts 52 members. That is 26 Republicans and 26 Democrats who have set aside partisan scuffles to focus on combatting climate change together.

The caucus, first formed in 2016 by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), recently welcomed its newest members, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA). Rep. Tom Reed, who represents New York's 23rd district, is also a member.

"We have to approach climate change in a way that helps preserve our planet while creating jobs and opportunity," Reed said in a statement. "We all care about clean air and water and doing what we can to minimize human impact on the climate, which is why I joined the Climate Solutions Caucus. I am happy to see this bipartisan group grow so that we can find common sense solutions to these important issues."

"We are thrilled to see this effort gaining momentum, and we applaud Rep. Reed for his leadership in taking on the real and urgent threat of climate change," said Miranda Phillips, who heads the NY 23 chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby.

The grassroots group advocates for climate solutions that bridge the partisan divide. Its centerpiece proposal is a carbon fee and dividend, a revenue-neutral carbon tax with 100 percent of the net revenue returned directly to households. It would reduce greenhouse gas emissions to half their 1990 levels within 20 years while growing the economy and saving lives.

"At a time when the Trump Administration has turned its back on the Paris Agreement and partisanship plagues Washington, a bipartisan effort of this size shows the tide is turning on the climate issue," said Citizens' Climate Lobby executive director Mark Reynolds. "It's only a matter of time before the efforts of these 52 representatives results in meaningful legislation to combat climate change."

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