Highlights:
2014: Rubio Questioned The Scientific Evidence Behind Climate Change. According to the Los Angeles Times, “Rubio said he doesn’t agree that actions humans take today could affect how the climate is changing. ‘Our climate is always changing. […] And what they have chosen to do is take a handful of decades of research and say that this is now evidence of a longer-term trend that’s directly and almost solely attributable to manmade activities.” [Los Angeles Times, 5/11/14]
2010: Tampa Tribune: Rubio “Said He Doesn’t Accept The Scientific Evidence For Global Warming.” According to the Tampa Tribune, “Senate candidate Marco Rubio said Friday that he doesn’t accept the scientific evidence for global warming a stance Rubio has hinted at before, but which the campaign of Gov. Charlie Crist said is a switch for Rubio. Rubio denied it’s a change in his position on the issue. Climate change in general, and specifically of a ‘cap and trade’ plan to limit carbon emissions, has been an issue in the campaign between Crist and Rubio for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.” [Tampa Tribune, 2/13/10]
2014 Rubio On Climate Change: “All Science Deserves Skepticism.” According to the Miami Herald, “Marco Rubio denies being a climate-change denier. But the Florida Senator isn’t a believer, either. Call him a skeptic. For now. ‘I think all science deserves skepticism,’ Rubio said in an interview about what he does and doesn’t believe about global warming and what to do about it. And right now, Rubio doesn’t want to take too much action. In the wake of a new White House report on climate change that paints a bleak picture for his home county, his state, the nation and the planet, Rubio harbors doubts about some of the findings. He’s especially opposed to suggested fixes designed to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the United States. Rubio says he thinks the laws won’t work — but will hurt the economy in a ‘devastating’ way.” [Miami Herald, 5/15/14]
2015: Rubio: “Humans Are Not Responsible For Climate Change The Way Some Of These People Are Making Us Believe.” According to E&E Publishing, “Rubio, like most other Republican presidential candidates, has voiced concerns about the Obama administration’s aggressive push to curb the power sector’s carbon footprint. ‘Humans are not responsible for climate change the way some of these people are making us believe,’ he told CBS News’ ‘Face the Nation’ this week. ‘I believe the climate is changing ... the question is, what percentage of that, or what is due to human activity?” [E&E Publishing, 4/22/15]
Rubio: “I Do Not Believe That Human Activity Is Causing These Dramatic Changes to Our Climate The Way These Scientists Are Portraying It.” According to ABC News, “I do not believe that human activity is causing these dramatic changes to our climate the way these scientists are portraying it. That's what I do not -- and I do not believe that the laws that they propose we pass will do anything about it. Except it will destroy our economy.” [ABC News, 5/11/14]
VIDEO: Rubio: “The Climate Has Always Changed. There Has Never Been A Time When The Climate Has Not Changed.” According to Fox News via YouTube, “HOST: He says that climate change is real. RUBIO: Yeah, because the climates always changed. There’s never been a time when the climate has not changed.” [Fox News via YouTube, 11/3/15]
Rubio: “Despite 17 Years Of Increases In Carbon Production By Humans, Surface Temperatures On Earth Have Stabilized.” According to the O’Reilly Factor, “I’ve never denied the climate is changing and that shouldn’t surprise us. The climate is always changing. The second point on the science is the left loves to go around saying there’s a consensus, there’s a consensus. There is a majority of scientists saying that global carbon emission by humans causes some changes in the climate. What there’s no consensus on, and they conveniently ignore, there is no consensus on the sensitivity of the climate and how much of it is directly attributable to human carbon emission. There’s no consensus on that, which is why the models vary so greatly and which is why, despite 17 years of increases in carbon production by humans, surface temperatures on the earth have stabilized. But here’s the last point, which is indisputable: none of these proposals that liberals want us to impose on ourselves would do anything about the problem.” [O’Reilly Factor, 5/21/14]
2014: Rubio Said Global Warming Has Slowed Down Over The Past 15 Years. According to the Miami Herald, “Rubio said his concern is rooted in what scientists have reported — global surface temperatures haven’t significantly increased in the past 15 years despite an increase in CO2, which traps greenhouse gases. ‘I haven’t done the studies. I can tell you what scientists say,’ he said. ‘Scientists have concluded, in their opinion, that because we have produced more carbon into the atmosphere in the last 150 years, that’s the reason why, in their opinion, the earth’s trendlines are warming,’ he said. ‘What they can’t answer to me is: Well why has that stopped over the last 16 years?’ […] Rubio said that, until questions like this are ‘settled,’ he won’t back laws that raise the cost of fossil fuels. Doing so, he said, wouldn’t make much of a dent in the climate, especially with emerging nations like China and India producing more carbon than ever. ‘In exchange for all this level of uncertainty that’s out there, they want me to support dramatic, unilateral American policies that, for a fact, would be devastating to the economy, but which they admit would do nothing to impact these extreme weather occurrences,’ Rubio said.” [Miami Herald, 5/15/14]
2013: When Asked If Global Warming Affected Florida, Rubio Said, “The Climate Is Always Changing. That’s Not The Fundamental Question.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Do you see global warming as a threat to Florida, BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith asked at one point. ‘First of all, the climate is always changing. That’s not the fundamental question,’ Rubio replied. ‘The fundamental question is whether man-made activity is what’s contributing most to it. I understand that people say there is a significant scientific consensus on that issue, but I’ve actually seen reasonable debate on that principle.” [Tampa Bay Times, 2/5/13]
Miami Herald: Rubio Lived At Ground Zero Of Climate Change And Did Not “Sound Much Worried About One Of Their Hometown’s Most Pressing Environmental Problems.” According to the Miami Herald, “Not 15 miles from the homes of Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush on the mainland, Miami Beach work crews elevate the streets, turning ground floors effectively into windowed basements, to try to stave off the implacable rise of sea water. Up comes the powerful ocean, threatening people, property and the underground freshwater supply. Can’t control nature, Rubio quips with a smile. […] ‘I don’t have a plan to influence the weather,’ Rubio said dismissively at a town-hall style meeting in New Hampshire last month.[…] Miami’s two Republican presidential candidates don’t sound much worried about one of their hometown’s most pressing environmental problems. They’re not ‘deniers’ who question climate change’s existence, as some of their presidential rivals do, though both say they’re skeptical about how much of it is man-made. […] But they sound markedly different from their local politicians who have resigned themselves to a harsh reality. Even if some of them don’t want to talk about how mankind’s thirst for fossil fuels is to blame for global warming, city and county leaders of both political parties have stopped debating whether South Florida is going under water.” [Miami Herald, 1/15/16]
January 2016: 15 Mayors Of South Florida Sent An Open Letter To Bush And Rubio Urging Them To Meet “And Discuss With Us The Future Of Our Communities In A Warming Climate.” According to the Palm Beach Post, “Climate change in South Florida isn’t theoretical. It isn’t some problem for some undefinable future that our kids will have to deal with. It’s a pain in the neck right now. Ask the people of Miami Beach, where they’re elevating streets to cope with the unstoppable rise of sea water. The people of Hallandale Beach, where most drinking wells are closed because the water is too salty. Yet the two candidates for president from South Florida cannot bring themselves to acknowledge what’s happening. […] To Marco Rubio, climate action is ‘trying to change the weather.’ To leaders on the ground -- make that ‘ground zero’ -- it’s an entirely different thing. ‘When a driveway is flooded, Marco Rubio doesn’t get the call,’ says West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. ‘I get the call.’ Muoio is one of 15 mayors of South Florida cities, mostly from Miami-Dade County, who sent open letters this week to Bush and Rubio, urging them to meet ‘and discuss with us the future of our communities in a warming climate.’ ‘In West Palm Beach, we’ve seen increased flooding, increased stormwater surges on Flagler Drive,’ Muoio told The Post Editorial Board. ‘We know there’s been a rise in sea level, and so we have definitely seen the impact.’ West Palm Beach is finishing up a stormwater master plan, Muoio said. Last year, Palm Beach County hired a ‘climate change and sustainability coordinator,’ with a top task of implementing a four-county action plan that recommends such things as raising roads and moving drinking-water wells inland.” [Palm Beach Post, 1/29/16]
February 2016: Rubio And Jeb Bush Agreed To Meet With Florida Mayors To Discuss Climate Change. According to ThinkProgress, “Republican presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush should be getting an education in climate change soon. The two GOP candidates agreed last week to meet with a group of 15 South Florida mayors concerned about climate change’s impact on their state and on the country as a whole. The mayors had sent letters to Rubio and Bush in late January, urging the candidates to ‘acknowledge the reality and urgency of climate change’ and asking them to take meetings with them to discuss climate change. One of the mayors — Cindy Lerner of Pinecrest, Florida — journeyed to New Hampshire last week, and questioned both candidates about the letters during town hall events.” [ThinkProgress, 2/8/16]
March 2016: Rubio Ignored 20 Florida Mayors Who Wanted Action On Climate Change By “Ridiculously” Being Unsupportive Of Such Measures. According to an editorial in the Sun-Sentinel, “On the subject of climate change, to which Florida is especially vulnerable, only Kasich called for policies to reduce carbon emissions. By contrast, Rubio discounted the calls of 20 Florida mayors who seek leadership on climate change, ridiculously saying we can’t pass laws ‘to change the weather.’” [Sun-Sentinel, Editorial, 3/14/16]
Rubio: Florida Is Flooding Not Because Of Climate Change, But “Primarily Because Miami And All South Florida Is Built On A Swamp.” According to the Washington Examiner, “Obama said parts of South Florida are already showing evidence of climate change, pointing to flooding and ‘fish swimming in the street,’ but Rubio told the ‘CBS This Morning’ team that flooding in the area is a result of South Florida being built on a swamp. ‘We have had flooding issues on Miami Beach and one of the reasons might be because there’s some rise in the sea level, but primarily it’s because Miami and all South Florida is built on a swamp,’ said Rubio, who sits third in the Washington Examiner’s latest power rankings. ‘Miami beach, for example, is an artificial island built because of dredging.’” [Washington Examiner, 12/4/15]
USA Today: “Scientists Have Found Unequivocal Evidence Human Activity Is Causing The Earth To Warm At An Unprecedented Rate, Accelerating Sea Level Rise.” According to USA Today, “Sea levels have been rising in Southeastern Florida and around the world for more than a century, according to long-term tide gauge data. Researchers say the rate of sea level rise near Palm Beach, where the picture was taken, is rapidly rising and will continue to do so. Scientists have found unequivocal evidence human activity is causing the Earth to warm at an unprecedented rate, accelerating sea level rise.” [USA Today, 5/8/23]
RUBIO VOTED AGAINST SAYING CLIMATE CHANGE WAS REAL
2015: Rubio Voted Against Agreeing That, “Climate Change Is Real.” In January 2015, Rubio voted against an amendment that, according to the Congressional Record, stated, “It is the sense of Congress that Congress is in agreement with the opinion of virtually the entire worldwide scientific community and a growing number of top national security experts, economists, and others that—(1) climate change is real; (2) climate change is caused by human activities; (3) climate change has already caused devastating problems in the United States and around the world; (4) the Energy Information Administration projects that fossil fuels will continue to produce 68 percent of the electricity in the United States through 2040; and (5) it is imperative that the United States invest in research and development for clean fossil fuel technology.” The vote was on a motion to table the proposed amendment to the Senate’s version of legislation directing the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline, so that a vote for the motion was, in effect, a vote against the amendment. The Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 53 to 46, killing the amendment. [Senate Vote 15, 1/22/15; Congressional Record, 1/22/15; Congressional Actions, S. 1]
2015: Rubio Voted Against Stating That, “Climate Change Is Real.” In January 2015, Rubio voted against an amendment that, according to the Congressional Record, stated that “it is the sense of Congress that—(1) climate change is real; and (2) human activity contributes to climate change.” The proposed amendment to the Senate’s substitute version of legislation directing the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline also quoted several findings from the State Department’s January 2014 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on the pipeline project, which Congressional Quarterly summarized as stating that “that the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline would not have a significant impact on the environment.” The amendment stated that these findings were “consistent” with its proposed sense of Congress on climate change. The Senate rejected the proposed amendment by a vote of 59 to 40; the amendment needed 60 votes to be approved. [Senate Vote 11, 1/21/15; Congressional Record, 1/21/15; Congressional Quarterly, 1/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. 1]
2010: Rubio Questioned Whether Climate Change “Justifies Economically Destructive Government Regulation.” According to the Tampa Tribune, “Asked whether he accepts the scientific evidence that the global climate is undergoing change, he responded, ‘The climate is always changing. The climate is never static. The question is whether it’s caused by man-made activity and whether it justifies economically destructive government regulation.” [Tampa Tribune, 2/13/10]
VIDEO: Rubio: “No Matter How Many Job Killing Laws We Pass, Our Government Can’t Control The Weather.” According to ABC News via YouTube, “RUBIO: When we point out that no matter how many job-killing laws we pass, our government can’t control the weather – he accuses us of wanting dirty water and dirty air.” [ABC News via YouTube, 2/12/13]
Rubio: Said “We're Not Going To Make America A Harder Place To Create Jobs In Order To Pursue Policies That Will Do Absolutely Nothing, Nothing To Change Our Climate.” According to a transcript of the CNN Presidential Primary Debate, “We're not going to make America a harder place to create jobs in order to pursue policies that will do absolutely nothing, nothing to change our climate. America is a lot of things, the greatest country in the world, absolutely. But America is not a planet.” [CNN Presidential Primary Debate, 9/16/15]
Rubio Said That, “Many Of The Solutions Being Presented To Me Won’t Have Any Impact On The Climate, Other Than Symbolic.” According to the Skimm, “As a policy maker, the decision I have to make is what do we do about it? And many of the solutions being presented to me won’t have any impact on the climate, other than symbolic. But they will have a deep impact on the economy….I think that if you look at the scientific arguments about [climate change], while there appears to be a scientific consensus that man contributes to it....[they] don’t know how much of it is due to human activity, and that’s a very big deal. It’s the reason why these ideas they’re presenting to me are ones I can’t jump on board.” [Skimm, 9/30/15]
Rubio Doubted That The Government Could Do Anything To Have An Impact On Global Warming. According to a blog by Alex Leary in the Tampa Bay Times, “He went on: ‘The secondary question is, is there anything government can do about that, that will actually make a difference? We can pass a law that prohibits X. It has this dollar impact on our economy, which is devastating, but what is the benefit of it? Will it have a direct impact on actually turning around these climate changes we’re trying to address?” [Tampa Bay Times Blogs, 2/5/13]
2014: Rubio Said There Is No Point To The U.S. Limiting Carbon Emissions Because India And China Would Not Follow Suit. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, Rubio said, “‘We want the U.S. to be able to lead by example on all these climate change measures.’ What they don’t understand, or seem to want to ignore is that the largest contributors of carbon to the atmosphere today are developing countries like China and India. This notion that, ‘Somehow, if we destroy our economy by raising utility prices for Americans, they’re going to follow our example,’ is silly. They’re going to continue to grow until they feel like they’ve grown to a point where they feel like they can even entertain these sorts of things. They are far off from that. Americans are going to pay a terrible price for these sorts of unilateral executive actions the President is taking on energy.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 6/2/14]
Rubio Said No “Reasonable Person” Would Argue That The Most Immediate Threat Was Climate Change. According to the Washington Examiner, “During a town hall event in Laconia, N.H., Rubio remarked that there’s ‘no way any reasonable person’ would argue that climate change and what it’s going to look like down the road is the ‘most immediate threat’ facing the U.S. ‘No matter how you feel about the issue of the environment, and the climate, and the changes to climate, there’s no way any reasonable person could conclude that the most immediate threat we face to our security is what the climate’s going to look like in 25 or 30 years,’ Rubio said to a voter during the Q&A segment. ‘No matter how you feel about it, it’s just not accurate.’” [Washington Examiner, 11/30/15]
2015: Rubio Voted Against Combating Economic And National Security Threats Posed By “Human-Induced” Climate Change Using Unspecified Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy And Carbon Emission Reduction Initiatives. In March 2015, Rubio voted against an amendment that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation that would address human-induced climate change through increased use of clean energy, energy efficiency and reductions in carbon pollution.” According to the Congressional record, the purpose of Amendment No. 1014 was to “establish a deficit neutral reserve fund relating to responding to the economic and national security threats posed by human induced climate change, as highlighted by the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Administrator of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.” The Senate adopted the amendment to its version of the FY 2016 budget resolution by a vote of 53 to 47, and subsequently passed the amended resolution. [Senate Vote 115, 3/26/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/26/15; S. Con. Res. 11, 4/7/15; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 1014; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11]
2022: Rubio Voted To Include Provisions In The America COMPETES Act That Would Emphasize That The President Does Not Have The Power To Invoke Defense Production Act Authorities Or Declare A National Emergency, Major Disaster Emergency, Or Public Health Emergency On The Basis Of Climate Change. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the inclusion of provisions that would emphasize that under current law the president may not, on the basis of climate change, invoke Defense Production Act authorities or declare a national emergency, major disaster emergency or public health emergency.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 49-47. [Senate Vote 157, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
2021: Rubio Voted Against An Amendment That Would Create New Policies That Address The Climate Crisis By Creating Jobs, Reducing Pollution, And Strengthen The Economy. In August 2021, Rubio voted against an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to addressing the climate change ‘crisis’ through new policies that create jobs, reduce pollution, and strengthen the U.S. economy.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 51-48. [Senate Vote 317, 8/10/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/10/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3330; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
2015: Rubio Voted Against Reducing Carbon Pollution In Response To Human-Caused Climate Change. In March 2015, Rubio voted against an amendment to the Senate’s FY 2016 budget resolution that, according to The Hill, would have “called on lawmakers to recognize that climate change is real and caused by human activity. The amendment also called on Congress to take action to cut carbon pollution.” The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 49 to 50. [Senate Vote 89, 3/25/15; The Hill, 3/25/15; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 777; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11]
2013: Rubio Voted For Prohibiting The Federal Government From Regulating Greenhouse Gases. In March 2013, Rubio voted for an amendment that, according to The Hill’s E2 Wire, “would have prohibited federal greenhouse gas regulations.” The vote was on the amendment, offered against the Senate’s version of the fiscal year 2014 budget resolution; the Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 47 to 52. [Senate Vote 76, 3/22/13; The Hill’s E2 Wire, 3/23/13; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 359; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 8]
2022: Rubio Voted Against The Inflation Reduction Act. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted against the Inflation Reduction Act. The vote was on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill. The bill was sent to the House for final concurrence. The House concurred with the Senate, sent the bill to President Biden for signage, and the bill became law. [Senate Vote 325, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
The Inflation Reduction Act Included A Package Of Tax Credits To Incentivize Wind, Solar, And Renewable Energy. According to the Washington Post, “To respond to a rapidly warming planet, Democrats set aside about $370 billion for energy security and climate change. The investments include a bevy of tax credits to incentivize wind, solar and other renewable power sources, while helping people purchase new or used electric vehicles and install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes.” [Washington Post, 8/7/22]
The Inflation Reduction Act Included Investments To Help People Buy New Or Used Electric Vehicles. According to the Washington Post, “To respond to a rapidly warming planet, Democrats set aside about $370 billion for energy security and climate change. The investments include a bevy of tax credits to incentivize wind, solar and other renewable power sources, while helping people purchase new or used electric vehicles and install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes.” [Washington Post, 8/7/22]
The Bill Provided $3 Billion For Zero-Emission Vehicles For The U.S. Postal Service. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill would provide funding for various activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy-efficient technologies and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including […] $3 billion for zero-emission vehicles for the Postal Service;” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
The Inflation Reduction Act Included Increased Tax Credits For New Energy-Efficient Residencies. According to Congressional Quarterly, the Inflation Reduction Act “increase[d] credits for new energy efficient homes.” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
The Inflation Reduction Act Included Investments To Help People Implement Energy-Efficient Heating And Cooling Systems In Their Residential Homes. According to the Washington Post, “To respond to a rapidly warming planet, Democrats set aside about $370 billion for energy security and climate change. The investments include a bevy of tax credits to incentivize wind, solar and other renewable power sources, while helping people purchase new or used electric vehicles and install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes.” [Washington Post, 8/7/22]
The Inflation Reduction Act Provided $3 Billion For Environmental And Climate Justice Block Grants For Community Projects To Address Pollution, Lowering Emissions, Climate Resiliency, And Public Engagement. According to Congressional Quarterly, the Inflation Reduction Act provided “$3 billion for new EPA environmental and climate justice block grants for community-led activities to address pollution, emission reduction, climate resiliency and public engagement.” [Senate Vote 325, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
The Bill Provided $27 Billion In Grants For State, Local, And Non-Profit Entities To Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill would provide funding for various activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy-efficient technologies and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including $27 billion for grants to state, local and nonprofit entities for greenhouse gas emission reduction activities;” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
The Bill Provided $9.7 Billion For Zero-Emission Or Carbon Capture Rural Electric Systems. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill would provide funding for various activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy-efficient technologies and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including […] $9.7 billion for zero-emission or carbon capture rural electric systems;” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
The Bill Provided $1.6 Billion For Methane Emissions Reduction And Mitigation. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill would provide funding for various activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy-efficient technologies and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including […] $1.6 billion for methane emissions reduction and mitigation.” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
The Inflation Reduction Act Created A $1.5 Billion Program That Included Incentives For Companies That Reduce Methane Emissions And Penalties For Companies That Do Not Mitigate Methane Emissions. According to the Washington Post, “The bill creates a $1.5 billion program that includes new payments for companies that cut emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, with some penalties for those firms that do not.” [Washington Post, 8/7/22]
The Bill Reinstated The Superfund Tax On Crude Oil At A Higher Tax Rate To Support The Clean-Up Of Contaminated And Polluted Sites. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The measure would also reinstate the lapsed ‘Superfund’ tax on oil producers and importers at a higher rate, with the money going to help clean up contaminated sites.” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
2022: Rubio Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Provided $30 Billion For Climate Resilience Programs And Activities. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted against an amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act, which would “provide $30 billion for climate resilience programs and activities.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 1-98. [Senate Vote 299, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5209; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
The Sanders Amendment Would Have Appropriated $30 Billion For Climate Resilience Programs And Activities, Including For The Establishment Of A Civilian Climate Corps. According to Congressional Quarterly, “For example, the Vermont independent offered an amendment to provide $30 billion for climate resilience programs and activities, like establishing a Civilian Climate Corps, that was rejected, 1-98.” [Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22]
Rubio Voted On The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Florida’s two U.S. senators voted against a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill on Tuesday, rejecting a carefully negotiated agreement crafted during marathon meetings on Capitol Hill between Democrats and Republicans. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio voted ‘no’ on the package, which passed the U.S. Senate on a 69-30 vote. The bill now heads to the U.S. House.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/10/21]
The Bill Contained Funds To Help Communities Prepare For The New Age Of Extreme Weather That Were Worsened By Human-Caused Climate Change. According to the New York Times, “The $1 trillion infrastructure bill now headed to President Biden’s desk includes the largest amount of money ever spent by the United States to prepare the nation to withstand the devastating impacts of climate change. The $47 billion in the bill designated for climate resilience is intended to help communities prepare for the new age of extreme fires, floods, storms and droughts that scientists say are worsened by human-caused climate change.” [New York Times, 11/6/21]
2022: Rubio Voted To Exclude Climate Provisions From The America COMPETES Act. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the exclusion of provisions from the House-passed legislation that would authorize $8 billion through fiscal 2023 for the Green Climate Fund; establish a State Department program to provide assistance to developing countries related to climate change adaptation, mitigation and security; express the sense of Congress related to climate change response, including to state that the United States should implement the Paris climate agreement; and establish a State Department task force to coordinate a whole-of-government response to climate change.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 48-49. [Senate Vote 150, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
The America COMPETES Act Authorized $8 Billion For The Green Climate Fund. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the exclusion of provisions from the House-passed legislation that would authorize $8 billion through fiscal 2023 for the Green Climate Fund; establish a State Department program to provide assistance to developing countries related to climate change adaptation, mitigation and security; express the sense of Congress related to climate change response, including to state that the United States should implement the Paris climate agreement; and establish a State Department task force to coordinate a whole-of-government response to climate change.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 48-49. [Senate Vote 150, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
The America COMPETES Act Created A State Department Program To Assist Developing Countries Related To Climate Change. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the exclusion of provisions from the House-passed legislation that would authorize $8 billion through fiscal 2023 for the Green Climate Fund; establish a State Department program to provide assistance to developing countries related to climate change adaptation, mitigation and security; express the sense of Congress related to climate change response, including to state that the United States should implement the Paris climate agreement; and establish a State Department task force to coordinate a whole-of-government response to climate change.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 48-49. [Senate Vote 150, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
The America COMPETES Act Called For The State Department To Create A Task Force To Coordinate Climate Change Responses. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the exclusion of provisions from the House-passed legislation that would authorize $8 billion through fiscal 2023 for the Green Climate Fund; establish a State Department program to provide assistance to developing countries related to climate change adaptation, mitigation and security; express the sense of Congress related to climate change response, including to state that the United States should implement the Paris climate agreement; and establish a State Department task force to coordinate a whole-of-government response to climate change.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 48-49. [Senate Vote 150, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
The America COMPETES Act Expressed That The U.S. Should Implement The Paris Climate Agreement. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the exclusion of provisions from the House-passed legislation that would authorize $8 billion through fiscal 2023 for the Green Climate Fund; establish a State Department program to provide assistance to developing countries related to climate change adaptation, mitigation and security; express the sense of Congress related to climate change response, including to state that the United States should implement the Paris climate agreement; and establish a State Department task force to coordinate a whole-of-government response to climate change.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 48-49. [Senate Vote 150, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
2015: Rubio Voted Against Agreeing That The U.S. Energy System Must Quickly Move From Fossil Fuels To Sustainable, Efficient Energy To Prevent “Irreparable Harm” To The Earth From Human-Caused Climate Change. In January 2015, Rubio voted against an amendment that, according to the Congressional Record, stated, “It is the sense of Congress that Congress is in agreement with the opinion of virtually the entire worldwide scientific community that—(1) climate change is real; (2) climate change is caused by human activities; (3) climate change has already caused devastating problems in the United States and around the world; (4) a brief window of opportunity exists before the United States and the entire planet suffer irreparable harm; and (5) it is imperative that the United States transform its energy system away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and sustainable energy as rapidly as possible.” The vote was on a motion to table the proposed amendment to the Senate’s version of legislation directing the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline, such that a vote for the motion was effectively a vote against the amendment. The Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 56 to 42, killing the amendment. [Senate Vote 16, 1/22/15; Congressional Record, 1/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 24; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 2; Congressional Actions, S. 1]
2022: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Have Required The Interior Department To Expedite The Approval Of Pending Coal Leasing Applications And Grant Needed Approvals For Mining Activities Of Previously-Approved Coal Leases. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for an amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act, which would “require the Interior Department, with respect to coal leasing applications and as soon as practicable, to publish a draft environmental assessment and any applicable implementing regulations, if not previously published for public comment; finalize the fair market value of the coal tract for which the application is pending; and take all intermediate actions necessary to grant the application. It would also require the department to grant any additional approvals required for mining activities to commence with respect to previously awarded coal leases.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 50-50. [Senate Vote 306, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5418; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
2021: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Prohibit The Agriculture Department From Making Fossil Fuel-Burning Power Plants Ineligible For Financing. In August 2021, Rubio voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to agriculture policy, including to prohibit or limit the Agriculture Department from making the construction, maintenance or improvement of fossil fuel-burning power plants ineligible for financing.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 53-46. [Senate Vote 330, 8/10/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/10/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3103; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
2021: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Prohibit The Council On Environmental Quality And The Environmental Protection Agency From Banning Fracking Practices. In August 2021, Rubio voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws and policies, including to limit or prohibit the Council on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing or implementing a rule or guidance that bans fracking in the United States.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 57-42. [Senate Vote 323, 8/10/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/10/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3105; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
2021: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Limit Or Prohibit The Council On Environmental Quality And The Environmental Protection Agency From Imposing Fracking Bans. In February 2021, Rubio voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other environmental laws and policies, including to limit or prohibit the Council on Environmental Quality or the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing or implementing a rule or guidance that bans fracking in the United States.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 57-43, but was stripped from the bill in Senate Vote 52. [Senate Vote 28, 2/4/21; Congressional Quarterly, 2/4/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt 833; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res. 5]
2012: Rubio Voted Against Extending Tax Credits For Alternative And Renewable Energy, Paid For By Repealing Tax Breaks For The Five Largest Oil Companies. In March 2012, Rubio effectively voted against a bill that would, according to the Evansville Courier and Press, “end several tax breaks worth $24 billion over ten years for the five largest oil companies: BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil and Shell. More than half of the savings would be allocated to deficit reduction, with the remaining $11 billion used for tax credits to promote natural gas and propane as vehicle fuels, make U.S. homes more energy-efficient and spur the production of renewable and alternative fuels to reduce U.S. consumption of fossil fuels.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the bill, which failed 51 to 47; the motion required 60 votes to pass. [Senate Vote 63, 3/29/12; Evansville Courier and Press, 4/1/12; Congressional Actions, S. 2204]
RUBIO VOTED TO CUT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
2013: Rubio Voted For Cutting Funding For Research And Development Of Alternative Energy Sources As Part Of The FY 2014 Ryan Budget. In March 2013, Rubio voted for cutting funding for research and development of alternative energy sources, as part of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) proposed budget resolution covering fiscal years 2014 to 2023. According to the House Budget Committee, “The budget provides sufficient funding for essential projects, like energy security and basic research and development. But it pares back spending in areas of duplication and non-core functions, like applied and commercial research and development projects best left to the private sector.” The vote was on the House Republicans’ fiscal year 2014 budget resolution, which Senate Budget Committee chairwoman Patty Murray offered as a substitute amendment to the Senate’s fiscal year 2014 budget resolution. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 40 to 59. [Senate Vote 46, 3/21/13; House Budget Committee, 3/12/13]
2012: Rubio Effectively Voted To Cut Funding For Research And Development Of Alternative Energy Sources As Part Of The FY 2013 Ryan Budget. In May 2012, Rubio effectively voted to cut funding for research and development of alternative energy sources, as part of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) proposed budget resolution covering fiscal years 2013 to 2022. According to the House Budget Committee, “This budget would continue funding essential government missions, including energy security and basic research and development, while paring back duplicative spending and non-core functions, such as applied and commercial research or development projects best left to the private sector. And it would immediately terminate all programs that allow government to play venture capitalist with taxpayers’ money.” The vote was on a motion to proceed to consider the House-passed budget resolution, which the Senate rejected by a vote of 41 to 58. [Senate Vote 98, 5/16/12; House Budget Committee, 5/20/12; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 112]
2011: Rubio Effectively Voted For FY 2012 Ryan Budget, Which Cut Funding For Research And Development Of Alternative Energy Sources. In May 2011, Rubio effectively voted for cutting funding for research and development of alternative energy sources, as part of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) proposed budget resolution covering fiscal years 2012 to 2021. According to the House Budget Committee, “This budget would continue funding essential government missions, including energy security and basic research and development, while paring back duplicative spending and non-core functions, such as applied and commercial research or development projects best left to the private sector. This budget would continue funding essential government missions, including energy security and basic research and development, while paring back spending in areas of duplication or non-core functions, such as applied and commercial research or development projects best left to the private sector. Ultimately, the best energy policy is one that encourages robust competition and innovation to ensure the American people an affordable and stable supply of energy. This budget would roll back federal intervention and expensive corporate-welfare funding directed to the president’s allied industries.” The vote was on a motion to proceed to consider the House-passed budget resolution, which the Senate rejected by a vote of 40 to 57. [Senate Vote 77, 5/25/11; House Budget Committee, 4/5/11]
RUBIO OPPOSED WIND POWER
Rubio: We Can Not “Windmill Our Way Into The 21st Century.” According to the Miami Herald “Rubio said he supports smarter building to prepare for extreme weather and rising seas. He also backs more climate-change research and monitoring as well as more biofuels, and more nuclear, solar and wind power. ‘What I have a problem with is this idea we can windmill our way into the 21st Century,’ he said.” [Miami Herald, 5/15/14]
2012: Rubio Voted Against Extending Wind Energy Tax Credit While Also Allowing Businesses To Receive The Funds As Grants Rather Than As A Tax Credit. In March 2012, Rubio voted against a Stabenow amendment that, according to Congressional Quarterly Today, “extend benefits such as the production tax credit for wind energy producers, which sunsets at the end of the year [2012], and an expired stimulus (PL 111-5) program that allowed businesses to opt for grants instead of tax credits for renewable-energy projects.” The proposed amendment to the Senate’s version of the 2012 federal highway program reauthorization bill was defeated by a vote of 49 to 49; the amendment required 60 votes to pass under a unanimous consent agreement. [Senate Vote 39, 3/13/12; Congressional Quarterly Today, 3/13/12; CRS Summary of S. 1813, 3/14/12]
2016: Rubio Voted Against Increasing Wind Energy Funding By $15 Million. In April 2016, Rubio voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “provide[d] $95 million for wind energy from within Energy Department energy efficiency and renewable energy funding, a $15 million increase above the level in a related committee report.” The underlying legislation was the FY 2017 Water and Energy appropriations bill. The vote was on the amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 54 to 42. [Senate Vote 61, 4/26/16; Congressional Quarterly, 4/26/16; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 3812; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 3801; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2028]
2022: Rubio Voted Against Authorizing Wind Lease Sales On The Shelf Adjacent To U.S. Territories And Against Prohibiting New Wind Or Solar Development Rights On Federal Lands For A Decade With The Exception Of Certain Oil Or Gas Lease Sales. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which would “authorize wind lease sales on the shelf adjacent to U.S. territories but prohibit new wind or solar development rights on federal lands for 10 years unless the department completes certain oil or gas lease sales.” The vote was on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill. The bill was sent to the House for final concurrence. The House concurred with the Senate, sent the bill to President Biden for signage, and the bill became law. [Senate Vote 325, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
RUBIO VOTED AGAINST TAX INCENTIVES FOR BIODIESEL
2012: Rubio Voted Against Tax Incentives For Biodiesel. In March 2012, Rubio voted against a Stabenow amendment to a Map 21 funding bill that would that, according to Chemical News & Intelligence, “would have extended the US biodiesel tax incentive through the end of 2012.” The amendment was defeated 49-49; the amendment required 60 votes to pass under a unanimous consent agreement. [Senate Vote 39, 3/13/12; Chemical News & Intelligence, 3/13/12; S.1813 3/14/12]
2013: Rubio Voted To Cut $60 Million In Advanced Biofuel Funding From The Defense Department’s Budget. In March 2013, Rubio voted for an amendment that would have, according to the League of Conservation Voters, “strip]ped] $60 million in funding for advanced biofuels from the DOD budget. The amendment sought to reassign funding for advanced drop-in biofuel production to cover other military operations and expenses.” The underlying legislation was an FY 2013 continuing resolution. The vote was on the amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 40 to 59. [Senate Vote 41, 3/20/13; League of Conservation Voters, 2013 Scorecard Vote; Congressional Quarterly, 3/20/13; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 115; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 26; Congressional Actions, H.R. 933]
RUBIO OPPOSED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ETHANOL
Rubio Voted At Least Twice Against Ethanol Tax Credits
2011: Rubio Voted For Repealing The 45-Cent Ethanol Tax Credit And The 54-Cent Tariff On Ethanol Imports. In June 2011, Rubio voted for an amendment that, according to the Washington Post, “would abruptly eliminate the tax credits, which cost the federal government about $6 billion a year, on July 1. In addition to ending a 45-cent-a-gallon subsidy, the amendment would eliminate the 54-cent-a-gallon protective tariff that discourages imports.” The Senate agreed to the amendment by a vote of 73 to 27. Cloture on the underlying bill was not invoked, and no further action was taken. [Senate Vote 90, 6/16/11; Washington Post, 6/16/11]
2011: Rubio Voted For Repealing The 45-Cent Ethanol Tax Credit And The 54-Cent Tariff On Ethanol Imports. In June 2011, Rubio voted for an amendment that, according to Politico, “would have repealed a 45-cent-per-gallon tax credit to blend ethanol in gasoline that is set to expire at the end of the year. It is estimated that the tax credit would be worth upward of $6 billion if it were to continue the whole year. The amendment also would have repealed a 54-cent-per-gallon tariff on ethanol imports.” The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 40 to 59. [Senate Vote 89, 6/14/11; Politico, 6/14/11]
Voted To Eliminate Ethanol Plant Loan Guarantees
2012: Rubio Voted For Eliminating Loan Guarantees To Cellulosic Ethanol Plants. In June 2012, Rubio voted for an amendment to the proposed 2012 farm bill that, according to the amendment’s sponsor, Senator Pat Toomey, would have “repeal[ed] the Biorefinery Assistance Program […] a program that primarily provides loan guarantees to cellulosic ethanol plants.” The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 36 to 63. [Senate Vote 150, 6/20/12; Congressional Record, 6/20/12]
2012: Rubio Voted Against Package Of Alternative Energy Tax Credits Extensions And Expanded Oil And Gas Drilling Provisions; Such As Approving The Keystone XL Pipeline. In March 2012, Rubio voted against a Roberts amendment that would, according to Congressional Quarterly Today, have “extend[ed] certain energy tax credit programs, [. . .] while using oil and gas drilling provisions that the House passed (HR 3408) as part of its transportation package as an offset. The defeat of the amendment, which would have approved the Keystone XL pipeline and expanded offshore drilling in such areas as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, provided the Senate with an avenue to voice its disapproval of the House's plan to pay for its highway bill (HR 7).” The amendment was defeated 41-57 and the overall transportation bill passed the Senate and was eventually signed by the President. [Senate Vote 38, 3/13/12; Congressional Quarterly Today, 3/13/12; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 1826; Congressional Actions, S. 1813]
2012: Rubio Voted Against Eliminating A Provision Preventing The Defense Department From Purchasing Alternative Fuels If They Cost More Than Traditional Fossil Fuels. In November 2012, Rubio voted against an amendment removing a provision that would have prohibited the Department of Defense (DOD) from purchasing or producing alternative fuels if the cost would exceed that of traditional fuels used for the same purpose. The amendment was to the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013; it was adopted by a vote of 62 to 37. The amended bill later passed the Senate, and its contents were merged with the House’s version of the NDAA in a conference committee. The resulting bill passed the House and the Senate, and was signed by the president into law. [Senate Vote 206, 11/28/12; Senate Report 112-173, 6/4/12; Public Law 112-239, 1/2/03; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 2985; Congressional Actions, S. 3254]
2022: Rubio Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Removed The Cap On Royalty Fees For Offshore Oil And Gas Leasing Set By The Inflation Reduction Act. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted against an amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act, which would “remove a cap on royalty fees for offshore oil and gas leasing set by the bill.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 1-99. [Senate Vote 312, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5281; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
2022: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Have Required The Interior Department To Hold At Least 10 Oil And Gas Lease Sales On The Outer Continental Shelf By June 30, 2027. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for an amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act, which would “require the Interior Department, by June 30, 2027, to conduct at least 10 area-wide oil and gas lease sales on the outer continental shelf, including at least two in the central and western Gulf of Mexico planning areas and at least one in the Cook Inlet Planning Area of the Alaska region of the outer continental shelf.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 50-50. [Senate Vote 303, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5387; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
2022: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Have Required The Interior Department To Conduct Oil And Gas Lease Sales By December 31, 2022 In Each State In Which The Bureau Of Land Management Held Lease Sales In June 2022. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for an amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act, which would “require the Interior Department, by Dec. 31, 2022, to conduct an oil and gas lease sale in each state where a lease sale was conducted by the Bureau of Land Management in June 2022 of all parcels that were evaluated for June 2022 sales but deferred by a BLM state director. It would require such sales to be conducted in addition to statutorily required quarterly sales.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 50-50. [Senate Vote 291, 8/7/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/7/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5409; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 5194; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
2022: Rubio Voted To Require The Immediate Development Of An Oil And Gas Leasing Program Through 2027 That Would Provide At Least Two Leases In The Gulf Of Mexico And Alaska Region Per Year In The America COMPETES Act. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Rubio voted for the “motion to instruct Senate conferees to insist on the inclusion of provisions that would require the immediate development of an oil and gas leasing program through 2027 that provides at least two oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska regions of the outer continental shelf per calendar year, including at least one lease annually in the Gulf of Mexico region.” The vote was on a motion to instruct. The Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 53-44. [Senate Vote 148, 5/4/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4521]
2017: Rubio Voted For The Final Version Of Trump’s Tax Reform Plan, Which Opened Up ANWR To Drilling. In December 2017, Rubio voted for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, also known as Trump’s tax reform bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, “This Conference Summary deals with the conference report on HR 1, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which the House will consider Tuesday. The agreement significantly cuts corporate and individual taxes and seeks to simply the tax code, although most individual tax provisions would expire after 2025. It reduces the corporate tax from 35% to 21% and reduces taxation of so-called ‘pass-through’ businesses where profits are taxed at the individual rate. For corporate taxes it also establishes a ‘territorial’ tax system that exempts most overseas income from U.S. taxation. Most individual tax rate rates would be reduced, including by dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 37%, and it eliminates personal exemptions but nearly doubles the standard deduction so fewer taxpayers will itemize deductions.” The vote was on a motion to recede from the Senate version of the bill and agree concur with a further amendment, essentially on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to 48. The House later agreed to the modified version of the bill. President Trump signed the bill into law. [Senate Vote 323, 12/20/17; Congressional Quarterly, 12/18/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
2017: Rubio Voted For The Senate GOP’s Tax Reform Bill, Which Opened Up ANWR To Drilling. In December 2017, Rubio voted for the Senate’s version of Trump’s tax reform bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Passage of the bill, as amended, that would revise the federal income tax system by lowering individual and corporate tax rates, repealing various deductions through 2025, specifically by eliminating the deduction for state and local income taxes through 2025, increasing the deduction for pass-through entities and raising the child tax credit through 2025. It would also open parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.” The vote was on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to 49. President Trump later signed an amended version of the bill into law. [Senate Vote 303, 12/2/17; Congressional Quarterly, 12/2/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
2017: Rubio Effectively Voted For Opening Up ANWR To Drilling. In December 2017, Rubio voted against a motion that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “remove[d] the provisions of the bill that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.” The underlying legislation was the Senate GOP’s tax reform bill. The vote was on a motion to waive the budget act with respect to the point of order on the amendment. The Senate rejected the motion, effectively defeating the amendment, by a vote of 48 to 52. [Senate Vote 301, 12/2/17; Congressional Quarterly, 12/2/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
2017: Rubio Voted For Reconciliation Instructions Allowing The Opening Up Of ANWR To Drilling. In October 2017, Rubio voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “eliminate[d] the reconciliation instructions for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.” The underlying legislation was the FY 2018 Senate budget resolution that set up reconciliation instructions for tax reform. The vote was on the amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 48 to 52. [Senate Vote 243, 10/19/17; Congressional Quarterly, 10/19/17; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 1301; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 1116; Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res. 71]
Rubio Supported Offshore Oil And Gas Drilling And Exploration If “Done Responsibly.” According to the Tampa Tribune, “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush are indicating they would favor exploration and drilling for oil and gas off Florida’s coasts. Bush’s spokesperson said he would support exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic in something called a thoughtful way, while Rubio’s aide said it should be done responsibly.” [Tampa Tribune, 6/5/15]
Rubio Opposed A State Constitutional Ban On Offshore Drilling. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Marco Rubio was in Tampa today chatting with a group of small business owners and picking up the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business. If the Legislature does wind up putting a proposed constitutional ban on offshore drilling on the ballot, I asked, would Rubio vote for it? ‘I would have to study it carefully and see the cost benefit analysis of it and what it means for Florida’s future. I think there are compelling arguments on both sides of that issue,’ Rubio said. ‘There are some who believe offshore drilling would create all sorts of jobs in Florida. I would want to see the figures on that and make sure that was true. I also would want to know more about the safety records of companies and what the environmental history of some of these proponents are. On the other hand I believe America has to have all of its energy resources at its disposal, and we do need drilling in the gulf as part of that platform.’ A few minutes later, Rubio told me he misunderstood the question and that he wanted to clarify he absolutely would not vote for it. ‘I don’t believe it belongs in the Constitution. The Florida Constitution is already full of all sorts of things that don’t belong in there.” [St. Petersburg Times, 7/19/10]
2013: Rubio Supported Allowing New Oil And Gas Leases In The Outer Continental Shelf. According to Florida Today, “Allow new oil and gas leases throughout the Outer Continental Shelf (Rubio was for, Nelson against).” [Florida Today, 3/11/13]
2012: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Have Required The Department Of The Interior To Lease Large Areas In The Atlantic And Pacific Oceans For Offshore Drilling. According to the McClatchy Newspapers, “Two other Democrats, Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, also voted yes. All but seven Republicans — Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida, Bob Corker of Tennessee, Mike Lee of Utah and Scott Brown of Massachusetts — voted in favor of the amendment. The 78-page amendment was similar to legislation passed by the Republican-controlled House last month. It would require the Interior Department to lease huge areas in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to drilling as well as approve the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project from the Canadian oil sands to the Gulf of Mexico.” [McClatchy Newspapers, 3/12/12]
2012: Rubio Voted For Approving An Offshore Drilling Plan Developed By The Bush Administration. In March 2012, Rubio voted for approving the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, 2010-2015. The vote was on an amendment to the MAP-21 transportation authorization bill that, according to the Times-Picayune, “would put into effect a five-year drilling plan announced by President George W. Bush's administration in 2008 that would have allowed lease sales throughout the Outer Continental Shelf, including off the Florida, California and Virginia coasts. The Obama administration threw out the Bush plan, and has kept leasing off-limits for the Virginia, Florida and California coasts.” The amendment was rejected by a vote of 43 to 55. [Senate Vote 28, 3/8/12; Congressional Record, 3/7/12; Congressional Record, 3/8/12; Times-Picayune, 3/6/12]
2011: Rubio Effectively Voted For A Bill To Increase Offshore Oil And Gas Drilling. In May 2011, Rubio effectively voted for a bill that would, according to the Associated Press, “expand and hasten offshore oil drilling in the face of $4-a-gallon gasoline prices.” The bill would “speed up decision-making on drilling permits and force previously scheduled lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and off the Alaska and Virginia coasts.” The vote was on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill; the motion was defeated 42 to 57. [Senate Vote 73, 5/18/11; Associated Press, 5/19/11]
2015: Rubio Voted To Override President Obama’s Veto Of Bill Incentivizing Commercial Real Estate Providers To Use Energy Efficient Practices, As Part Of Package Directing The Approval Of The Keystone XL Pipeline. In January 2015, Rubio voted to override President Obama’s veto of a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, included provisions that would have “encourage[d] energy-efficient practices in commercial real estate buildings, including those that house federal agencies. Specifically, it [would have] require[d] the General Services Administration (GSA) to incorporate energy efficiency into its building leasing program for federal agencies, direct[ed] the Energy Department to study the feasibility of energy-efficient small spaces within buildings and establishe[d] a Tenant Star program to recognize energy-efficient tenants.” The energy efficiency provisions were part of a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, [would have] immediately authorize[d] the construction, operation and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline — including the pipeline itself and cross-border facilities as described in TransCanada’s 2012 application, and any revisions to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state.” The Senate sustained President Obama’s veto of the bill by a vote of 62 to 37, 5 short of the two-thirds majority necessary to override a veto. [Senate Vote 68, 3/4/15; Congressional Quarterly, 2/6/15; Congressional Actions, S. 1]
2014: Rubio Voted Against Spurring Private And Public Adoption Of Energy Efficiency Technologies By Encouraging State Building Code Changes, Providing Incentives And Providing Voluntary Standards, And Requiring Federally-Leased Buildings To Monitor Their Energy Usage. In May 2014, Rubio voted against a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would promote updates to state building codes to encourage energy savings and provide incentives for energy-efficient manufacturing. It would establish a voluntary certification program for leased commercial building spaces and a demonstration program for efficiency retrofits on low-income housing. It also would require federally-leased buildings to benchmark energy usage data where practical.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the bill, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 55 to 36. [Senate Vote 142, 5/12/14; Congressional Quarterly, 5/12/14]
2016: Rubio Voted Against Allowing Federal Mortgage Loan Agencies To Consider A Home’s Energy Efficiency And Expected Energy Bills In The Agencies’ Underwriting Process. In April 2016, Rubio voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “require[d] the secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue guidelines for the Federal Housing Administration to implement enhanced loan eligibility requirements in the mortgage underwriting process that account for the expected energy costs savings for a loan applicant.” The underlying legislation was the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. The voter was on the amendment. The Senate approved the amendment by a vote of 66 to 31. [Senate Vote 49, 4/19/16; Congressional Quarterly, 4/19/16; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 3302; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 2953; Congressional Actions, S. 2012]
2015: Rubio Voted To Prohibit Any Federal Carbon Emission Taxes Or Fees. In March 2015, Rubio voted for an amendment, that according to Congressional Quarterly, “would create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation that would prohibit federal taxes or fees on carbon emissions.” The Senate adopted the proposed amendment to the Senate’s FY 2016 budget resolution by a vote of 58 to 42, and later passed the amended resolution. A compromise budget later was agreed to by both sides of Congress. [Senate Vote 103, 3/26/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/26/15; S. on. Res. 11, 4/7/15; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 928; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11]
2013: Rubio Effectively Voted To Create A 60-Vote Point Of Order Against Legislation That Would Create A Carbon Tax. In March 2013, Rubio effectively voted to create a point of against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “any legislation that includes a tax or fee on carbon emissions.” The underlying legislation was an FY 2014 budget resolution. The vote was on a motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to a point of order against the amendment. The Senate rejected the motion, effectively killing the amendment, by a vote of 53 to 46, where a three-fifths majority was needed for passage. [Senate Vote 59, 3/22/13; Congressional Quarterly, 3/22/13; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 261; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 8]
2021: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Prohibit Implementing A Federal Carbon Tax. In February 2021, Rubio voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to federal tax law changes, including legislation to limit or prohibit the establishment of a federal tax on carbon emissions.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 50-50. [Senate Vote 46, 2/5/21; Congressional Quarterly, 2/5/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt 887; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res. 5]
2015: Rubio Said He Would Not Pursue Cap And Trade Legislation As President. According to BuzzFeed, “At the debate, however, Rubio said he would not pursue that kind of legislation as President. ‘We’re not gonna destroy our economy the way the left-wing government that we’re under now wants to do,’ he said. Echoing comments he made earlier this year and in 2013, he added, ‘We are not gonna make America a harder place to create jobs in order to pursue policies that will do absolutely nothing, nothing to change our climate, to change our weather. Because America’s a lot of things, the greatest country in the world, but America is not a planet. And we are not even the largest carbon producer anymore, China is, and they are drilling a hole anywhere in the world that they can get ahold of.’” [BuzzFeed, 9/17/15]
2009: Rubio Criticized Florida’s “Cap-And-Trade Scheme.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Against the backdrop of the climate change summit in Denmark this week, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio is hammering rival Charlie Crist's ‘cap-and-trade scheme’ — though he voted for a bill backed by the governor requiring state officials to devise such a plan. As the leader of the Florida House in 2008, Rubio presided over a unanimous vote in favor of directing the state Department of Environmental Protection to develop ground rules for companies to limit their carbon emissions. Now he's questioning whether global warming is man-made.” [Tampa Bay Times, 12/10/09]
2010: Rubio Claimed Climate Change Did Not Justify A Cap-And-Trade Plan, Despite Past Support For A State Cap-And-Trade Plan. According to The Tampa Tribune, “In an interview with the American Spectator, which used only paraphrase and not direct quotes, Rubio said he was not prepared to challenge the scientific evidence of global warming, but that the evidence didn’t justify a cap and trade plan. The Crist camp accuses Rubio of flip flopping on the issue because while Rubio criticizes Crist for backing a cap and trade plan, Rubio also led the state House in 2008 to pass legislation mandating a state cap and trade plan. ‘If the climate’s changing, so are his positions on issues,’ said Eric Eikenberg, Crist campaign manager. ‘This is the flavor of the month,’ an attempt by Rubio to appeal to the right wing, he said.” [Tampa Tribune, 2/13/10]
2015: Rubio Said “With Certainty” That Cap And Trade Would Have A “Devastating Impact” On Our Economy. According to E&E Publishing, “‘If we do the things [the Obama administration] wants us to do -- cap and trade, you name it -- how much will that change the pace of climate change, versus how much will it cost our economy?’ Rubio asked. ‘Scientists can’t tell us what impact it will have on reversing these changes, but I can tell you with certainty it would have a devastating impact on our economy.” [E&E Publishing, 4/22/15]
2014: Rubio Said The Idea That Cap And Trade Policies Could Curb Climate Change Was “Ridiculous.” According to Politico, “Rubio also said that President Barack Obama and his administration use catastrophic events as an excuse to push climate regulations. ‘You’ll have a tornado somewhere or a drought and you’ll have the president or his supporters show up and say: ‘This is happening because of climate change,’ Rubio said. ‘As if to imply that if we eviscerate our economy by imposing cap-and-trade, these things will stop happening. That’s ridiculous.” [Politico, 5/14/14]
2011: Rubio Publicized His Co-Sponsorship Of The Energy Tax Prevention Act Of 2011, Which Would Prohibit The EPA From Implementing Cap-And-Trade Regulations. According to a press release from Rubio, “Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio announced that he is a co-sponsor of the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 introduced by U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing cap and trade regulations. […] ‘At a time when Florida families and businesses are already struggling with high unemployment and slow economic growth, the last thing we need is unaccountable bureaucrats in Washington imposing an energy tax through regulation that will increase electricity and gasoline prices. This bill not only protects Florida’s families but will also eliminate some of the uncertainty preventing job creators from expanding their businesses and employing more people. Floridians in the last election sent a message that Congress should not pass a cap-and-trade system and now we must ensure that unelected bureaucrats in the Obama administration don’t try to undermine the will of the American people,’ said Senator Rubio.” [Rubio Press Release, 3/3/11]
2017: Rubio Voted To Disapprove The Stream Buffer Rule. In February 2017, Rubio voted for disapproving the Stream Buffer rule via the Congressional Review Act. According to Congressional Quarterly, “This resolution disapproves the rule issued by the Labor Department on Dec. 20, 2016 (commonly known as the Stream Buffer rule) that requires surface coal mining operations to be designed to minimize the amount of waste placed outside the mined-out area. The measure provides that the rule will have no force or effect.” The vote was on passage. The Senate agreed to the legislation by a vote of 54 to 45. The legislation was later signed into law. [Senate Vote 43, 2/1/17; Congressional Quarterly, 1/27/17; Congressional Actions, H. J. Res. 38]
2017: Rubio Effectively Voted To Disapprove The Stream Buffer Rule. In February 2017, Rubio effectively voted for disapproving the Stream Buffer Rule via the Congressional Review Act. According to Congressional Quarterly, “This resolution disapproves the rule issued by the Labor Department on Dec. 20, 2016 (commonly known as the Stream Buffer rule) that requires surface coal mining operations to be designed to minimize the amount of waste placed outside the mined-out area. The measure provides that the rule will have no force or effect.” The vote was on a motion to proceed. The Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 56 to 42. The House had already passed the legislation, which President Trump signed it into law. [Senate Vote 42, 2/1/17; Congressional Quarterly, 1/27/17; Congressional Actions, H. J. Res. 38]
2011: Rubio Voted For Eliminating Air Pollution Rules For Portland Cement Manufacturers. In November 2011, Rubio voted for a bill that, according to CRS, “Declares specified rules without force or effect, and to be treated as though they had never taken effect, with respect to: (1) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry.” The provision was part of the Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. The bill – which addressed appropriations rescissions, emissions standards, regulatory oversight and delay, and transportation funding – was rejected by the Senate by a vote of 47 to 53. [Senate Vote 196, 11/3/11; CRS, 11/2/11; Congressional Actions, S. 1786]
The Rules Aimed At Reducing Mercury, Other Toxic Pollution From Portland Cement Industry. According to the EPA, “EPA is reducing harmful air pollution from the Portland cement industry through regulations that rely on current technologies to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants, such as mercury, acid gases and total hydrocarbons, along with emissions of particulate matter (also known as particle pollution). The regulations apply to both existing and new Portland cement facilities that do not burn hazardous waste or non-hazardous secondary materials as fuels. Cement facilities using those fuels are covered by separate regulations.” [EPA Page On Portland Cement Manufacturing, Viewed 8/3/13]
The Portland Cement Rules Revised Limits For Mercury, Hydrocarbons, Particulate Matter And Other Emissions. According to the EPA, “The final amendments to the NESHAP add or revise, as applicable, emission limits for mercury, total hydrocarbons (THC), and particulate matter (PM) from new and existing kilns located at major and area sources, and for hydrochloric acid (HCl) from new and existing kilns located at major sources. […] The final amendments to the NSPS add or revise, as applicable, emission limits for PM, opacity, nitrogen oxides (NO X), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2) for facilities that commence construction, modification, or reconstruction after June 16, 2008.” [Federal Register, 9/9/10]
2021: Rubio Voted For An Amendment That Would Limit Clean Air Act Permit Requirements For Farmers And Ranchers Or Limit The Enactment Of New Federal Methane Requirements On Livestock That Would Increase The Cost Of Beef And Other Products. In August 2021, Rubio voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to federal environmental policies under the Clean Air Act, including to prohibit or limit the issuance of permit requirements under the act for farmers and ranchers or the imposition of any new federal methane requirements on livestock that would have the effect of increasing the cost of beef and other critical products.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 66-33. [Senate Vote 333, 8/10/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/10/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3115; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
2015: Rubio Voted To Exempt Coal Refuse Burning Power Plants From EPA Rules Limiting Cross State Air Pollution And Acid Gas Emissions Issued In August 2011 Or Later. In January 2015, Rubio voted for an amendment to the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would exempt power plants that burn coal waste from an EPA rule on general emission limitations issued in August, 2011 or any subsequent rule on the matter.” The Senate rejected the proposed amendment to Senate legislation directing the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline by a vote of 54 to 45; it needed 60 votes to be adopted. [Senate Vote 9, 1/21/15; Congressional Quarterly, 1/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 41; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 2; Congressional Actions, S.1]
2011: Rubio Effectively Voted For Eliminating An EPA Regulation Cutting Smog And Pollution From Power Plants In 27 States. In November 2011, Rubio effectively voted for a joint resolution that, according to The Hill, would have “overturn[ed] the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which requires curbs in smog and particulate-forming pollution from [power] plants in 27 states in the eastern half of the country.” The vote was on a motion to proceed, which was rejected by a vote of 41 to 56. [Senate Vote 201, 11/10/11; The Hill, 11/10/11; Congressional Actions, S. J. Res. 27]
2012: Rubio Voted For An Amendment To Delay Implementation of EPA Emissions Rules For Industrial Boilers. In March 2012, Rubio voted for delaying an EPA regulation that, according to Congressional Quarterly would “delay the implementation of EPA emissions standards for industrial boilers and grant the agency 15 months to propose new rules.” The vote was on an amendment to the MAP-21 transportation authorization bill that reauthorized federal transportation programs. The amendment failed by a vote of 52 to 42, it required 60 votes to pass under a unanimous consent agreement. [Senate Vote 30, 3/8/12; Senate Action, 3/7/12; Congressional Quarterly, 3/8/12; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 1660; Congressional Actions, S. 1813]
2011: Rubio Voted For A Bill Delaying Implementation Of The EPA’s Boiler MACT Rules. In November 2011, Rubio voted for delaying an EPA rule known as the boiler MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) rule. The vote was on the Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 that, according to WUSA, “included language from S. 1392, the EPA Regulatory Relief Act, which requires EPA to rewrite rules released earlier this year for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for major sources such as refineries and area sources such as hospitals and prisons. The standards set hazardous air pollution limits for new and existing industrial and commercial boilers.” The bill – which addressed appropriations rescissions, emissions standards, regulatory oversight and delay, and transportation funding – was rejected by the Senate by a vote of 47 to 53. [Senate Vote 196, 11/3/11; WUSA, 11/4/11; Congressional Record, 11/3/11; Congressional Actions, S. 1786]