Climate Politics
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Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
Tim Johnson South Dakota’s sole U.S. representative, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D), voted against the climate bill in the House, and Sen. Tim Johnson may do the same in the Senate. His vote will depend in part on how the final bill deals with agriculture and coal. He’s also a big fan of biofuels (his website […]
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MoveOn’s Masterful Move
Most every major advance in civic climate action has originated outside the envelope of U.S. climate politics as practiced by major environmental organizations and funders. The problem was first identified by Jim Hansen and other climate scientists, first brought to wide attention by journalists Bill McKibben and Ross Gelbspan, and popularized by New Yorker writer […]
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The epic battle for the Senate, Part 1: What we can learn from the House vote.
A few moderate senators in both parties hold in their hands the fate of climate legislation — and hence the possibility that the nation and the world might have a realistic chance of averting catastrophic climate impacts. That’s because The GOP has made the fateful — and fatal — decision to cast its lot with […]
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“Republicans can’t regain their souls for demagoguing the issue”
“There’s got to be something more important than getting reelected,” Perriello said in an interview with Politico. “If I lose my seat, and that’s the worst that happens, I could live with that.” But the 34-year-old believes Democrats will win this fight. “This is a gift,” Perriello said of the vote. “For the first time […]
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Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.)
Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill doesn’t think the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill that passed the House in June stands much chance of passing the Senate, and she would not support the bill as it stands. During House debate on the legislation, McCaskill expressed her concerns via Twitter: “I hope we can fix cap and trade […]
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Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.)
Blanche Lincoln Sen. Blanche Lincoln recently called the House climate and energy bill “a complete non-starter,” and pledged that the Senate would move more slowly in crafting legislation in order to address the concerns of specific legislators and regions. Lincoln’s own concerns include potential rises in energy costs and impacts on agriculture. She has also […]
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Mark Begich (D-Alaska)
Mark Begich Sen. Mark Begich beat out everyone’s favorite Senate curmudgeon, “Uncle” Ted Stevens (R), in a tight race last fall. And while he’s seen as a modest improvement in the environmental realm, he’s also a steadfast supporter of increased oil and gas drilling, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Begich has advocated for […]
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Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)
Kent Conrad Sen. Kent Conrad’s colleague in the House, Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), voted against the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act, and Conrad says he wouldn’t vote for the bill either. He also joined with three other moderate Democrats in suggesting that the climate vote should be put off until next year. Last […]
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Senate Minority Report on global warming not credible, says Center for Inquiry
A major political struggle surrounds current efforts to enact legislation addressing the harmful effects of climate change. Opponents of legislation limiting carbon dioxide emissions express doubt about the scientific evidence for global warming. Since the issuance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Science Report in 2007 (the Physical Science Report, hereafter referred to as […]
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Hawaii invests in climate change task force
Haleakala National Park in HawaiiPhoto courtesy Simonds via FlickrHawaii’s state legislature established a climate change task force last week to study the potential impacts of rising sea levels, eroding coast lines, ocean acidification, fiercer storms, and other expected affects of climate change, and to suggest response strategies. Lawmakers overrode a veto by Republican Gov. Linda […]
