Iowa Republican Miller-Meeks named new chair of Conservative Climate Caucus

The House Conservative Climate Caucus has named Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) as its new chair, succeeding founder Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah).

Miller-Meeks, who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has attended every United Nations climate summit since her election to the House in 2020, and has long been a proponent of fossil fuel alternatives — such as nuclear power and biofuels, a major industry in Iowa. Miller-Meeks is the only Iowan member of the caucus.

However, she also has a lifetime score of 12 percent from the League of Conservation Voters, which faulted her for votes like her opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) car and truck standards and to overturn protections for the lesser prairie chicken.

She has served as vice chair of the caucus since 2023.

“The U.S. is a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while increasing energy production,” Miller-Meeks said in a statement. “As I assume leadership of the Caucus, I look forward to continuing to promote an any-of-the-above strategy for ensuring U.S. energy dominance with a globally competitive economy, while simultaneously reducing emissions for a cleaner, healthier planet.”

“I could not be more excited handing the keys to one of the most effective and ambitious members of the Republican Conference to keep our Caucus moving forward,” Curtis added. “Rep. Miller-Meeks has been a constant advocate for energy and climate issues, representing her rural and energy rich district incredibly well.”

Curtis, who founded the Conservative Climate Caucus in 2021, is departing to run in the GOP primary for retiring Sen. Mitt Romney’s (R-Utah) seat. The caucus has acknowledged the scientific consensus on climate change, distinguishing it from many GOP leaders, including former President Trump, and has called for solutions that incorporate cooperation from private enterprise and avoid aggressive phaseouts of fossil fuels.