Hello, this is Peter Lyford, the State Representative from Eddington.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the emerging face of the Democratic Party, says that we only have 12 years or “the world is going to end.”  

Every day, Democrat politicians tell us there is a “climate emergency.”

National, state and local news cycles now include at least one “climate emergency” story in every edition or broadcast.

It used to be “global cooling,” then it was “global warming,” then it was “Climate change.”

Now it is “climate crisis.”

Democrats and their media allies seem to think that if you just change the words, you change the public perception.

They think that suddenly, in the face of this emergency, people will want to pay $400 more for every time they fill their oil tank, or increase the cost of gasoline to a point where you won’t use it.

With different words, people will soon be moved that they will have to accept government control of every facet of their lives before the world ends in 12 years!

Prominent climate scientists are pushing back against this view and the harmful effects that a “do-or-die” framing will have on the need for serious scientific inquiry and discussion of climate change.

By overplaying the emergency angle to pass their agenda, Democrats and their media allies are cheapening and undermining the value of science. This will have direct consequences for our future, when the world does not “in fact” end in 12 years.

Leading Democrats are pushing their tired tax and spend agenda as a solution to the suddenly urgent crisis. Don’t take my word for it, just review what proponents of the Green New Deal want to do, to address the “climate crisis.”

• Tax rates as high as 70%
• A government takeover of our health care system
• Economic security for those who are not “willing” to work
• Restricting hamburger consumption and the accumulation of gas from cows

Government making our healthcare decisions, or telling us how much money we can earn has no climate impact.

Legislative Republicans will continue to oppose efforts by Democrats to use climate change as an excuse to tax our home heating fuel, propane, kerosene, diesel, gas and other fuels.

The Democrats policy goals have real life implications for Maine and for your ability to use your car, heat your home, feed your family and earn a living without impacting the climate at all. 

Consider this reality:

• Three-quarters of Maine’s net electricity generation already comes from renewable energy resources, with 31% from hydroelectricity, 22% from biomass (mainly wood products), and 21% from wind.

• More emissions free energy could be produced with nuclear power, yet that source is ignored. If we only have 12 years, you would think a cheap, clean power source like that would at least be a discussion.

• Maine’s fossil fuel sector contributes $2.4 billion to our state’s economy.

• Elimination of fossil fuels in Maine would also eliminate over 28,000 Maine jobs.

• Almost two-thirds of the Maine households use fuel oil as their primary energy source for heat, more than any other state.

Democrats continue to push a policy agenda that will increase the cost of everyday life without pursuing the technological and social advantages that capitalism provides.

Their extreme agenda will only bring misery and economic ruin to America, especially its poorest residents.

Yes, the climate is changing. That is what it does.

Using a changing climate as an excuse to pursue a national political agenda to exert government control over all of us, change our system of government and undermine capitalism is unacceptable.  

We need a genuine scientific analysis of all risks, costs and benefits involved in responding to climate change. 

A free and open economic system rewards innovation and can anticipate and meet human needs without stifling our natural creativity and need to grow.

Republicans oppose efforts to destroy free enterprise and an American economy that is responsible for the highest standard of living for all Americans, regardless of socio economic status, in the world.

Our form of government and economic system is the most successful in history. Otherwise, why would so many people be willing to risk their lives to get here.

Replacing the innovation of the American people with government bureaucracy would be a colossal mistake.

Maine Republicans will continue to support innovation, affordability and liberty over these relentless efforts by the Democrats to undermine Maine’s economy and way of life.

This has been State Representative Peter Lyford with the Weekly Republican Radio Address.       

Thank you for listening.

###