Climate Politics

Redonkulous

Ah. It’s clear that Roy Spencer’s sole role before the committee is to establish that "Clinton did it too." Also, he’s whining that Hansen was allowed to say whatever he wanted and he had to keep his skepticism to himself. When the stories broke he said he was happy they were finally asking Hansen to […]

Don’t shoot the messengers

All social movements are susceptible to the "cult of personality." This is always dangerous. Not only are individuals invariably fallible, and never live up to the "purity standards" often imposed on them, but it is their message that is most important, not the messengers.

Good fun

Here’s Waxman’s opening: And here’s Welch v. Deutsch:

Dispatch from San Francisco

I saw Barack Obama speak in San Francisco this weekend.

In his standard stump speech (I assume, anyway), he spoke for 45 minutes, without notes, with passion. As he wryly noted, he's very articulate.

Healthcare and education were the themes he stressed the most. He spoke starkly of the need to confront climate change, and referenced briefly the opportunities and benefits of investing in "alternative technologies." That said, I didn't get the sense that it is an animating passion of his.

This election cycle, people want to fall in love. And on that front at least, he's got the goods. A personable, warm, and impressive man.

Live-blogged!

… is streaming live. Drama! Update [2007-3-19 8:57:46 by David Roberts]: Wow, this is squirm-inducing. Deutsch is on the stand. He is getting drilled. One member of the committee actually offered him a chance to apologize to Hansen. Update [2007-3-19 9:1:28 by David Roberts]: Oh, man. Chris Shays talking-points-I-got-from-some-right-wing-staffer vs. James Hansen I-know-WTF-I’m-talking-about. Advantage: Hansen. […]

At last

Today is the occasion of "one hell of a hearing," as Rep. Henry Waxman’s Oversight Committee has another go as the subject of "Allegations of Political Interference with the Work of Government Climate Change Scientists." WaPo has the following folks testifying: Philip Cooney, former chief of staff for the White House Council on Environmental Quality; […]

The first pres. candidate to make the pledge

According to an account from an appearance at Howard University, John Edwards has become the first presidential candidate to publicly pledge to the target of reducing U.S. GHG emissions by 80% by 2050. That’s the baseline. Who else will step up?

I Think I Can’t, I Think I Can’t

Automakers tell Congress why fuel-economy improvements won’t work Congress hosted a few more cranky white men yesterday, as the CEOs of Chrysler, Ford, GM, and Toyota’s North American division appeared before a House subcommittee to explain why they couldn’t possibly raise fuel-economy standards. Joined by the head of the United Auto Workers, the churlish chiefs […]

Take That, Iowa

New Hampshire towns send climate-change message to feds The votes are in, and the message is clear: New Hampshire is peeved about global warming. Nearly 90 towns approved a nonbinding resolution at their annual meetings this week telling the feds to act on climate change and harrumphing that presidential candidates should make it a priority […]

Gore looks to Capitol lawn for U.S. Live Earth concert

On 7/7/07, Al Gore hopes to rock the House. Yes, that’s House with a capital "h." Gore’s first choice for hosting the U.S. Live Earth concerts was the 300-acre National Mall, but turns out it’s double-booked already. The official National Mall Dayplanner says "annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival" and "rally by a religious group" (no details […]