News · Press Release

National Republicans Failed Attempt to Hide Carlos Curbelo’s Real Environmental Record

Republicans in Congress have consistently pushed for more offshore drilling and consistently deny the science on man-made climate change. However, this fact didn’t stop the NRCC from releasing a radio ad thanking One-Term Wonder Congressman Carlos Curbelo for recognizing the dangers of off-shore drilling and rising sea levels.

It’s nice of the NRCC to finally acknowledge the dangers of man-made climate change, but Congressman Curbelo is no friend of the environment.  Earlier this year, Congressman Curbelo voted to cut funding to study climate change and severe weather preparedness in South Florida.

“Washington Republicans’ attempt to hide Carlos Curbelo’s real record on the environment is desperate and hypocritical,” said Jermaine House of the DCCC. “Curbelo is backed fully by the oil and gas industry and consistently votes against meaningful funding to protect South Florida’s environment and enhance severe weather preparedness.”

BACKGROUND:

Curbelo-Backed Appropriations Bill Cut Funding To Study Climate Change, Prepare Response To Severe Weather Events. According to National Journal, “The spending bill currently sets aside $1.68 billion for NASA to spend on earth science. That’s a cut from the $1.77 billion the agency currently spends on the program. (It’s also less than the $1.95 billion requested by President Obama for 2016.)” According to White House budget director Shaun Donovan, the bill “cuts important NASA Science programs by more than $200 million compared to the President’s Budget, jeopardizing Earth Science missions that are helping us understand how our climate is changing and respond to earthquakes, droughts, and severe weather events…[while reducing the request for] investments in Space Technology by $100 million, or 14 percent.” [National Journal, 5/19/15; OMB, 5/19/15; H.R. 2578, Vote #297, 6/3/15]

Curbelo-Backed Appropriations Bill Failed To Fund Next Generation Weather Satellites Needed For Extreme Weather Forecasting. According to White House budget director Shaun Donovan, the 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill, “fails to fund the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) next generation of polar-orbiting weather satellites, which provide critical data to maintain the quality of mid-range weather forecasts” and to predict extreme weather events like hurricanes. [OMB, 5/19/15]

Has Received $33,100 From Oil And Gas Industry.

2014 Cycle $14,500
2016 Cycle $18,600
TOTAL $33,100

[opensecrets.org, accessed 8/20/15]

For Immediate Release, August 20, 2015





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