NE Valley Times

Climate Cabinet Action, an organization that assesses state legislators on their climate legislation votes, has given Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-AZ) a low score of F- for his lack of support towards the Green New Deal. 

"Proud to have been awarded an *F MINUS* by Climate Cabinet Action for standing in the way of the Green New Deal. And I always will!", exclaimed Kolodin.

The Climate Cabinet Action has recently published its latest National Scorecard which aims to hold state legislators responsible for their stance on significant climate legislations. The scoring ranged from F or F- for Republicans in Arizona, with Democrats receiving scores of A or A-. Although it's not explicitly stated on their website, it is claimed by Arizona Republican lawmakers that these ratings are due to their inadequate support for the Green New Deal.

The organization determines these ratings based on how legislators vote on specific issues pertaining to housing, transportation, energy, agriculture, industry and environmental justice. In addition to advocating for climate policies such as the Green New Deal, Climate Cabinet Action also supports restrictions on gas stoves and encourages the purchase of electric vehicles.

The focus of the Green New Deal is to address what is known as the 'climate crisis' by transitioning United States to rely completely on clean energy by 2030. This involves investment in renewable energy sources, expansion of public transportation and promoting job growth within green industries among others; all with a goal to attain sustainability and minimize country's dependence on fossil fuels.

Established in 2018 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Climate Cabinet Action promotes climate-based information and policies at state and local level elections. They provide local climate talking points, policy solutions and incumbent voting records across all US districts while also contributing significantly to campaigns across states such as Arizona, Texas, Minnesota and Michigan.

One notable response was from Rep. Justin Heap (R-AZ), who humorously referred to this grading as "The best test you can ever fail," and shared his intentions of putting up the report card on his fridge. He explained his stance by stating, "As Vice Chair of Ways and Means, and a member of Commerce, the Arizona Freedom Caucus has taken a strong stand against the radical Green New Deal agenda that threatens farmers, ranchers, mining, energy production, and individual liberty in our great state."