GOP's Global Warming Skeptics to Take House Chairs on Energy, Science

[sabra]

Source: ABC News

Scientists Anxious About Incoming Republicans Who Deny Global Warming

All of the contenders in line to head the prestigious House committees responsible for setting America's energy and science policy are global warming skeptics, and that's causing scientists to worry that Republicans will use their new positions for political grandstanding at the expense of scientific advancement.

The Republicans, who will take over leadership of the House in January, have not yet announced who will chair the Energy and Commerce Committee or the Science and Technology Committee, but the short lists for both committees consist solely of congressmen who question the veracity of climate change.

Already, Republican Speaker-elect John Boehner of Ohio has fired an opening salvo against Democratic inroads on climate change policy, announcing last week that the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, a pet project of outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi, would be dismantled.

"This is a very partisan world and most Republicans are already focused on the 2012 presidential election," said Marchant Wentworth, a spokesman for the Union of Concerned Scientists. "While they play politics, sound science is being trampled in the process."

"Clean air and clean water are at stake. Why use these for a political agenda to whip up a partisan situation?" he asked.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/gops-global-warming-skeptics-house-chairs-energy-science/story?id=12309954

[ladjf]

1. Of Course. nt

[mahina]

2. I hope that every one of us did worked our hearts out to beat

these, um, ... unpleasant people.

If we're smart and keep working, the next two years will be the last time Americans give these people any power.
If we're stupid and lazy, this could be our last round for a long time.

[AC_Mem]

4. I'll be working

I'll do my part to support my party.

To be honest, I'm getting frustrated with the tone that DU and (liberal included) media is taking lately. I come here to be around people of like minds, people who believe what I believe.

If I wanted to listen to President bashing I could go to any teabagger site.

The negative tone here is driving me away, and thats a shame because I really like it here.

I'll volunteer and donate and do what I can to un-do the damage done in the 2010 election and help President Obama get re-elected. I stand with President Obama, even during hard times.

Annette

[nyy1998]

5. +1 I may not agree with everything he's done, but I think he's done a good job and I'm going to do

everything I can to make sure he's a 2-term President and that we take back the HOUSE!!!

[MBS]

9. oh, yeah

for anyone who still manages to think that "there is no difference between Democrats and Republicans", the prospect of these Neanderthals at the helm of these important committees is all the proof you need that, yes, Virginia, there IS a difference, and , yes, your vote DOES matter.

Just very alarming to think that idiots like this could have an influence on the future of our planet.

[Schema Thing]

3. Using it this way makes a mockery out of the very valuable word "skeptic".

[SpiralHawk]

6. Dark Ages here we come

The Know Nothing Party (R) has reincarnated.

[catgirl]

7. R= The Repulsive party

What a bunch of monsters.

[sakabatou]

8. *facepalm*

[StarsInHerHair]

10. you'd think that scientists would realize that SOME of their own must run for

public office, because politicians don't understand what's at stake and don't really care. I wish each "chair" was a duo, requiring a scientist as co-chair, that would be a better start.

[and-justice-for-all]

11. Great, in a matter of weeks we have already taken 10 steps back..nt