A recent article in the Sun Journal detailed current and potential impacts of climate change in Maine. These issues are important to me and inspired me to visit Washington, D.C., to learn about how people can address this important problem.

While in the capital, I met with staff members from various congressional offices and was trained to lobby on climate change related issues. One of the offices I visited was the office of Rep. Chellie Pingree. Pingree believes in climate change and wants to transition Maine to clean, renewable energy. Her staff told me about their beliefs; that Maine’s environment and economy are closely linked, and that Pingree understands the need to take real action.

But in order for political action to be fully effective, the issue of climate change must be addressed with bipartisan efforts. That is why I urged Rep. Pingree to join the Climate Solutions Caucus. The Climate Solutions Caucus is a bipartisan group of legislators who are committed to advancing climate solutions. Members of the caucus are only admitted if a Republican and Democratic representative join together.

I believe that Pingree should join with Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin. Together, they would have access to members-only conversations, staff briefings and legislative strategies. This action would better enable them to protect Maine’s environment and economy.

I urge Pingree and Poliquin to join that caucus and commit to helping protect Maine from the harmful impacts of climate change.

Graham Bonnell, Lewiston