North Pima News

Climate Cabinet Action recently issued an F- grade to Rep. Justin Heap (R-AZ) for his lack of support towards the Green New Deal, a proposed clean energy movement aimed at combating climate change. Heap, a significant figure in Arizona politics serving as Vice Chair of Ways and Means and member of Commerce, is one of many Republicans to be downgraded by the environmental organization.

"The best test you can ever fail. As Vice Chair of Ways and Means, and a member of Commerce, the AZ 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. I'm going to hang this report card on my fridge," said Justin Heap.

The recently released National Scorecard by Climate Cabinet Action is meant to hold "state legislators accountable for their votes on important climate legislation." Republican legislators from Arizona were mostly assigned grades F or F-, while their Democratic counterparts received either A or A-. Though the exact criteria are not openly provided by the site, Republican lawmakers from Arizona attribute these low ratings to their perceived inadequate support for the Green New Deal and other climate policies.

The grading system adopted by Climate Cabinet Action takes into account how legislators vote on specific issues encompassing areas such as "housing, transportation, energy, agriculture, industry, and environmental justice." The organization actively supports initiatives like the Green New Deal along with restrictions on gas stoves and promotes electric vehicle purchasing.

Aiming at managing the escalating "climate crisis," The Green New Deal strives for transitioning United States to 100% clean energy by 2030. This ambitious plan calls for investments in renewable energy sources while expanding public transportation systems and boosting job growth within green industries - all intended to lessen US reliance on fossil fuels as per information available on Green Party US.

Founded by volunteers in 2018 who are dedicated to advocating climate-based information and policies for candidates at the state and local levels, Climate Cabinet Action offers "local climate talking points, messaging, policy solutions, and incumbent voting records for any district in the US." The organization has had an impact on campaigns across states like Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan among others.

"Proud to have an "F" from Climate Cabinet Action," voiced Rep. Austin Smith (R-AZ) in a post on the X platform. "As Vice Chair of AZ House Republicans Natural Resources, Energy and Water I am standing in the way of Green New Deal policies that attack Arizona farmers, ranchers, miners, business owners and individual freedoms."