What Happened To The Republican Consensus On Climate Change?
In May right-wing activist Marc Morano said Republican candidates "can believe in the science of global warming ... if you keep your mouth shut about it and you advocate no quote-unquote solution to the problem." By contrast, the following statements show that in previous years, prominent Republicans spoke about both the robust body of evidence indicating that human activities are changing the climate and the need to address the problem. While the political discourse has since regressed, the scientific consensus has not.
National Research Council Reaffirms Scientific Consensus
NRC: Human-Induced Climate Change Is Based On "Strong, Credible Body Of Evidence." In a 2010 report comissioned by Congress, a scientific panel of the National Research Council reviewed the state of climate science and concluded:
Science has made enormous inroads in understanding climate change and its causes, and is beginning to help develop a strong understanding of current and potential impacts that will affect people today and in coming decades. This understanding is crucial because it allows decision makers to place climate change in the context of other large challenges facing the nation and the world. There are still some uncertainties, and there always will be in understanding a complex system like Earth's climate. Nevertheless, there is a strong, credible body of evidence, based on multiple lines of research, documenting that climate is changing and that these changes are in large part caused by human activities. While much remains to be learned, the core phenomenon, scientific questions, and hypotheses have been examined thoroughly and have stood firm in the face of serious scientific debate and careful evaluation of alternative explanations. [...]
Scientific evidence that the Earth is warming is now overwhelming. There is also a multitude of evidence that this warming results primarily from human activities, especially burning fossil fuels and other activities that release heat-trapping greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Projections of future climate change indicate that Earth will continue to warm unless significant and sustained actions are taken to limit emissions of GHGs. Increasing temperatures and GHG concentrations are driving a multitude of related and interacting changes in the Earth system, including decreases in the amounts of ice stored in mountain glaciers and polar regions, increases in sea level, changes in ocean chemistry, and changes in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, precipitation events, and droughts. These changes in turn pose significant risks to both human and ecological systems. Although the details of how the future impacts of climate change will unfold are not as well understood as the basic causes and mechanisms of climate change, we can reasonably expect that the consequences of climate change will be more severe if actions are not taken to limit its magnitude and adapt to its impacts. [National Research Council, 2010]
The GOP Previously Acknowledged The Problem Of Manmade Climate Change
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)
Boehner: "Humans Clearly Contribute To This." From a May 2008 Environment & Energy Daily article:
Industry officials have been pressing the GOP leadership to start negotiations otherwise they will face a raft of federal climate rules expected after the Supreme Court ruling, as well as a growing number of state and local mandates. President Bush last month said he wanted to see U.S. emissions stabilize by 2030. And looking ahead, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona earlier this week outlined a climate platform that includes cap-and-trade to reduce midcentury U.S. emissions by about 66 percent compared to 2005 levels.
Democratic presidential front-runner Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton both support even stronger climate plans.
"Realistically, we have to be prepared to make something happen that's workable," said Whitfield.
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said yesterday that he was willing to listen to McCain's ideas.
"I think McCain is moving in a responsible direction," Boehner said. "Clearly the issue of climate change is on the minds of a lot of people. Humans clearly contribute to this. It just really depends on what kind of a cap-and-trade system, what kind of safety valves are in there." [Environment & Energy Daily, 5/15/08, via Nexis]
Boehner: "We Ought To Begin Reducing Our CO2 Emissions." From a July 2008 interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer:
BLITZER: Senator McCain has been outspoken in his determination to deal with global warming, and in contradiction to some of the Republicans out there who have some doubts about the whole science of that. I don't know if you want to get a little glass of water or something.
BOEHNER: I think, Wolf...
BOEHNER: I think that John McCain's position is not really very different than most Republicans.
BLITZER: You agree with him on global warming?
BOEHNER: The fact is, is that we have had climate change. Clearly, humans have something to do with it, and we ought to begin reducing our CO2 emissions.
But we need to do it in conjunction with other industrialized countries around the world. Otherwise, we're just going to ship our jobs to China and India and elsewhere. That is not what's in the best interest of the American people. [CNN, The Situation Room, 7/15/08]
Boehner: The American People Want To Know "What's Our Answer To The Global Climate Change." From Boehner's press release about his October 2007 appearance on Fox News Sunday:
I think we've got to be the party of solution. The American people don't care who's in charge of Congress. I think they're tired of all the partisan bickering and all the noise here, and they want solutions and I think you'll see our party come forward with solutions on health care and how we get high quality health insurance to all Americans, how do we insure that everybody has good access to health care, what's our answer to the global climate change, how do we get to energy independence. [Speaker.gov, 10/14/07]
Boehner: "Most Members Think That Climate Change Is A Serious Issue That Needs To Be Addressed." From a January 2009 interview with National Public Radio's Steve Inskeep:
INSKEEP: When I saw that item I did wonder though if when it comes to that issue, which is very huge to many people, that we're still in the same place that we've been for a number of years, that the political parties are in a different place as to how important global warming is and how much of a sacrifice or how much of an effort needs to be made to fight it.
BOEHNER: I think most members think that climate change is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The question is how do you address it. And we've never gotten into the debate and the discussion about the consequences of trying to deal with it and how expensive it will be and the changes it will make to our society. [NPR, 1/22/09, via WBUR.org]
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
McCain: "I've Been To The Arctic And I Know It's Real. ... We've Got To Act." In December 2007, CBS News' Katie Couric asked the presidential candidates if the "risks of climate change are being over-hyped." McCain responded:
MCCAIN: I have been to Greenland, I have been to the South Pole. I've been to the Arctic and I know it's real. I believe that we've got to go back to nuclear power. We've got to do alternative energy. We've got to have a cap and trade proposal which Joe Lieberman and I have proposed.
We need to do green technologies. Let me put it this way to you. Suppose I'm wrong, there's no such thing as climate change, and we adopt green technologies. Then we've just left our kids a better world. Suppose I am right and we do nothing? Then what kind of planet have we handed to our children.
I've been involved in this effort for many years. And we've got to act. And unfortunately, we have not acted either as a federal government or a Congress.
COURIC: Why has it taken so long, Senator?
MCCAIN: Special interests. It's the special interests. It's the utility companies and the petroleum companies and other special interests. They're the ones that have blocked progress in the Congress of the United States and the administration. That's a little straight talk. [CBS News, 12/11/07]
McCain: "We Stand Warned By Serious And Credible Scientists Across The World That Time Is Short And The Dangers Are Great." From McCain's May 12, 2008, campaign speech in Portland, Oregon:
MCCAIN: We have many advantages in the fight against global warming, but time is not one of them. Instead of idly debating the precise extent of global warming, or the precise timeline of global warming, we need to deal with the central facts of rising temperatures, rising waters, and all the endless troubles that global warming will bring. We stand warned by serious and credible scientists across the world that time is short and the dangers are great. The most relevant question now is whether our own government is equal to the challenge. [Sen. McCain Campaign Speech, 12/5/08, via Grist.org]
McCain: "The Overwhelming Evidence Is That Greenhouse Gases Are Contributing To Warming Of Our Earth." According to the New York Times, McCain stated in a video posted on his 2008 campaign website:
I believe climate change is real. I think it's devastating. I think we have to act and I agree with most experts that we may at some point reach a tipping point where we cannot save our climate. I don't think we're there yet, but the overwhelming evidence is that greenhouse gases are contributing to warming of our earth and we have an obligation to take action to fix it. I believe that America did the right thing by not joining the Kyoto Treaty. But I believe that if we could get China and India into it, then the United States should seriously consider - on our terms - joining with every other nation in the world to try to reduce greenhouse gases. It's got to be a global effort. [McCain Campaign Video, 2008, via New York Times]
McCain: "Climate Change Wreaks Havoc With Deadly Weather." From a May 2008 McCain campaign ad:
NARRATOR: Our environment in peril. Oil and food prices out of control. Climate change wreaks havoc with deadly weather. One extreme thinks high taxes and crippling regulation is the solution. Another denies the problem even exists. There's a better way.
MCCAIN: I believe that climate change is real. It's not just a greenhouse gas issue. It's a national security issue. We have an obligation to future generations to take action and fix it. I'm John McCain and I approve this message. [McCain Campaign Video, 5/11/08, via YouTube.com]
McCain: Climate Change "Is A National Security Issue." From a June 2007 Republican presidential primary debate:
MCCAIN: Recently there was a group of retired military officers who said that climate change and energy independence is a national security issue. It is. We've got to reduce our dependence on imported oil. We can do it through a wide variety of alternative fuels. But we have to be serious about it, and we're going to have to go places where we have never gone before. And nuclear power is one of the major issues, but also all kinds of ethanol as well. [Republican Presidential Candidates Debate, 6/5/07, via New York Times]
President George W. Bush
Bush: "We Recognize The Responsibility To Reduce Our Emissions." From President Bush's June 11, 2001, speech:
BUSH: Our country, the United States is the world's largest emitter of manmade greenhouse gases. We account for almost 20 percent of the world's man-made greenhouse emissions. We also account for about one-quarter of the world's economic output. We recognize the responsibility to reduce our emissions. We also recognize the other part of the story -- that the rest of the world emits 80 percent of all greenhouse gases. And many of those emissions come from developing countries. This is a challenge that requires a 100 percent effort; ours, and the rest of the world's. [George W. Bush White House Archives, 6/11/01]
Bush: Global Warming Is "A Serious Challenge." From a January 2007 interview with National Public Radio's Juan Williams:
WILLIAMS: Now, also in the State of the Union, you talked about the - quote here - "the serious challenge of global climate change." Were you talking about global warming there?
BUSH: Absolutely, and it's a serious challenge. And one of the things that I am proud of is this administration has done a lot on advancing new technologies that will enable us to do two things - strengthen our economy, and at the same time, be better stewards of the environment. In 2002, I talked about an energy efficiency standard, which says new technologies will enable us to grow our economy, and at the same time, improve the environment, and we're meeting certain standards that I set for the country. [National Public Radio, 1/29/07]
Bush: "We Must Lead The World To Produce Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions." From a November 2007 statement President Bush:
Energy security and climate change are two of the important challenges of our time. The United States takes these challenges seriously, and we are effectively confronting climate change through regulations, public-private partnerships, incentives, and strong investment in new technologies. Our guiding principle is clear: we must lead the world to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and we must do it in a way that does not undermine economic growth or prevent nations from delivering greater prosperity for their people. [George W. Bush White House Archives, 11/28/07]
Fmr. Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
Gingrich: "The Conservative Approach Should Be To Minimize The Risk Of A Really Catastrophic Change." From a February 2007 PBS Frontline interview:
Q: What was it that convinced you that global warming was a real and pressing problem?
GINGRICH: Oh, I think the weight of evidence over time [convinced me] that it's something that you ought to be careful about. As a conservative, I think you ought to be prudent, and it seems to me that the conservative approach should be to minimize the risk of a really catastrophic change. [...]
Q: In 2000, candidate George Bush pledged mandatory carbon caps; it was a campaign pledge. What did you think of it at the time? Were you for that?
GINGRICH: I think if you have mandatory carbon caps combined with a trading system, much like we did with sulfur, and if you have a tax-incentive program for investing in the solutions, that there's a package there that's very, very good. And frankly, it's something I would strongly support. [PBS, Frontline, 2/15/07]
Gingrich: "We Should Move Towards The Most Effective Possible Steps To Reduce Carbon Loading Of The Atmosphere." From an April 2007 debate with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA):
KERRY: I'm excited to hear you talk about the urgency. I really am. And given that, albeit you still sort of have a different approach, what would you say to Senator Inhofe and to others in the Senate who are resisting even the science? What's your message to them here today?
GINGRICH: My message, I think, is that the evidence is sufficient that we should move towards the most effective possible steps to reduce carbon loading of the atmosphere.
KERRY: And do it urgently. Now --
GINGRICH: And do it urgently, yeah. [League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, 4/10/07, via YouTube.com]
Gingrich: "We Cannot Afford To Be Wrong About Global Climate Change." In his 2007 book A Contract with the Earth, Gingrich wrote:
As we recognize the scientific evidence that the earth is experiencing a warming trend over the past 100 years and that this trend may have serious consequences for the future, we favor reducing carbon loading in the atmosphere as a bold forward step and a positive public value. The development of new technologies is the best way to achieve significant reductions in carbon loading. [...]
We should address the entire issue of climate change in a careful, rational way. If mitigation efforts should fail and climate changes begin to eert severe control over the environment, as Newsweek editorials Fareed Zakaria suggested, we will need plenty of good will and political cohesion to make the tough decisions that "adaptation" will require. Worst-case scenario projections on the rise of sea levels over the next one hundred years are unreliable and imprecise, making a long-term, objective economic cost-benefit analysis extremely challenging. There is widespread agreement on one thing. We cannot afford to be wrong about global climate change. Soon, we will need to delineate a strategic action plan to deal with what we know.
Global climate change is prominent on the agenda of many captains of industry as demonstrated by the formation of working coalitions with leading environmental nongovernmental organizations, for example, the U.S. Cliamte Action Partnership comprising executives from Alcoa, BP, Caterpillar, DuPont, General Electric, and others. [...]
The American government, however, continues to posture and vent, unable or unwilling to commit or act decisively. Government leadership on the environment is still and unresolved issue in America, but our nation's entrepreneurs and corporations have already committed significant human and financial resources to pursue aggressively carbon neutrality and other environmental best practices. [A Contract with the Earth, 10/1/07]
Gingrich: It's "Rational" To "Minimize The Carbon Loading Of The Atmosphere." From a November 2007 New York Times interview:
GINGRICH: I'm trying to say to the right the environment's too important to neglect. The issues are too serious to walk away from and therefore you've got to drop just screaming "No" and you got to show us what the right solutions are from your standpoint. [...]
I have three issues. One is biodiversity, where I'm very passionate about maximizing the survival of species and maintaining a planet that has the kind of richness in live that I think enriches all of our lives. The second is energy as a national security issue and an economic issue where I think the right answer has an environmental component and an energy component and a national security component. The third is the issue of prudence about climate change. I try to tell conservatives the word "conservative" ought to imply caution. And you don't have to win 100 percent the argument that global warming is happening with human interface to say a strategy which minimize the carbon loading of the atmosphere which would sound like a rational strategy and if you can find a way that is economically affordable and that has a good quality of life, why wouldn't you do it? [New York Times, 11/12/07]
Gingrich: "Our Country Must Take Action To Address Climate Change." From a 2008 ad by the Alliance for Climate Protection featuring Gingrich and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA):
PELOSI: We don't always see eye to eye, do we, Newt?
GINGRICH: No, but we do agree our country must take action to address climate change.
PELOSI: We need cleaner forms of energy and we need them fast.
GINGRICH: If enough of us demand action from our leaders, we can spark the innovation we need.
PELOSI: Go to WeCanSolveIt.org and together, we can do this. [Alliance for Climate Protection Ad, 4/18/08, via the San Francisco Chronicle]
President George H.W. Bush
Bush: "We All Know That Human Activities Are Changing The Atmosphere In Unexpected And In Unprecedented Ways." From Bush's February 1990 remarks to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:
BUSH: We all know that human activities are changing the atmosphere in unexpected and in unprecedented ways. Much remains to be done. Many questions remain to be answered. Together, we have a responsibility to ourselves and the generations to come to fulfill our stewardship obligations. But that responsibility demands that we do it right. We acknowledge a broad spectrum of views on these issues, but our respect for a diversity of perspective does not diminish our recognition of our obligation or soften our will to produce policies that work. Some may be tempted to exploit legitimate concerns for political positioning. Our responsibility is to maintain the quality of our approach, our commitment to sound science, and an open mind to policy options. [George Bush Presidential Library, 2/5/90]
Bush: "The United States Will Continue To Lead The World In Taking Economically Sensible Actions To Reduce The Threat Of Climate Change." From Bush's statement on signing the instrument of ratification for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:
The Climate Convention is the first step in crucial, long-term, international efforts to address climate change. The international community moved with unprecedented speed in negotiating this convention and thereby beginning the response to climate change.
As proposed by the United States, the convention is comprehensive in scope and action-oriented. All parties must inventory all sources and sinks of greenhouse gases and establish national climate change programs. Industrialized countries must go further, outlining in detail the programs and measures they will undertake to limit greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change and quantifying expected results. Parties will meet on a regular basis to review and update those plans in the light of evolving scientific and economic information.
Since UNCED, the United States has begun to refine its national action plan, based on the U.S. climate change strategy first announced in February 1991 and updated in April 1992. The United States was one of the first nations to lay out its action plan, which will reduce projected levels of net greenhouse gas emissions in the year 2000 by as much as 11 percent.
Through such measures as the newly enacted national energy legislation, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1992, and other programs and policies of this administration, I am confident the United States will continue to lead the world in taking economically sensible actions to reduce the threat of climate change. [George Bush Presidential Library, 10/13/92]
Fmr. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN)
Pawlenty: "We Should Not Spend Time On Voices That Say It's Not Real." From a February 2008 Wall Street Journal op-ed by radio host Jason Lewis:
In April, Mr. Pawlenty delivered the remarks that probably best reveal his views on the environment. "It looks like we should have listened to President Carter," he told the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group. "He called us to action, and we should have listened. ... Climate change is real. Human behavior is partly and may be a lot responsible. Those who don't think so are simply not right. We should not spend time on voices that say it's not real." [Wall Street Journal, 2/23/08]
Pawlenty: "Cap Greenhouse Pollution Now." From a 2008 Environmental Defense Fund radio ad featuring Pawlenty and then-Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D)
PAWLENTY: We don't always share the same views.
NAPOLITANO: But we both agree it's time for Congress to deal with the real threat of climate change.
PAWLENTY: If we act now, we can create thousands of new jobs in clean energy industries before our overseas competitors beat us to it.
NAPOLITANO: If we wait even two years to act, we will need to cut our emissions twice as fast just to achieve the same results.
PAWLENTY: So, come on, Congress, let's get moving.
NAPOLITANO: In state after state, we're taking action. Now it's Congress's turn.
PAWLENTY: Cap greenhouse gas pollution, now. [Environmental Defense Fund, 1/22/08, via Minnesota Public Radio]
Pawlenty: "We Need To Lead And Do Our Part" And "Push For An Effective National And International Effort." According to the Minnesota Independent, Pawlenty stated in a 2007 press release: "[O]ur global climate is warming, at least in part due to the energy sources we use. We cannot solve it by ourselves, but we need to lead and do our part. We also need to push for an effective national and international effort." [Minnesota Independent, 9/11/08]
Fmr. Gov. Jon Huntsman (R-UT)
Huntsman: "I Believe That It's Real, And We Have Got To Deal With It In Real Time, Based On Real Science." From a November 2008 interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer:
BLITZER: What's the most important thing that Republicans need to do to reach out and convince the American public they know what they're doing?
HUNTSMAN: We have to realize fundamentally that politics, successful politics, is a game of addition and not subtraction. We've got to reconnect with people in this country on the issues that really matter.
BLITZER: Like what?
HUNTSMAN: And some of those are going to be nontraditional issues like the environment. I mean, when was the last time that we as a party really connected meaningfully on the environment, the legacy that we're leaving to the next generation?
BLITZER: Because some Republicans think global warming is manmade global warming, is a hoax.
HUNTSMAN: Well, and that's a debate we'll have to have within our party.
BLITZER: What do you believe?
HUNTSMAN: I believe that it's real, and we have got to deal with it in real time, based on real science. And, so, we, as Western governors, are putting forth some ideas on energy and the environment. To the new administration, we will be handing over some of our ideas even tomorrow. [CNN, The Situation Room, 11/20/08]
Huntsman: "Climate Change Is A Real Issue And One That We All Need To Get Smart About." From a May 2007 Associated Press article:
Gov. Jon Huntsman will sign the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative on Monday, an agreement that calls for a regional goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from six states.
"It's in line with the priorities I have for the state," Huntsman said. "Climate change is a real issue and one that we all need to get smart about."
The pact calls for a cap to greenhouse gas emissions and a trade program where emission credits could be sold. A tracking registry for emissions would be implemented, according to the agreement. [...]
The Center for Climate Strategies, a nonprofit group specializing in climate issues, estimates that Utah's annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2005 totaled roughly 68.8 million metric tons, a 4 percent increase from 65.9 million metric tons in 2000 and a 40 percent increase compared to 1990, when state emissions totaled 49.3 million metric tons.
"Our whole effort here is to try to reduce our carbon footprint," Huntsman said. [Associated Press, 5/20/07]
Huntsman: "It's Time For Congress To Act By Capping Greenhouse Gas Pollution." From a November 2007 ad by the Environmental Defense Action Fund featuring Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT), and then-Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) and Jon Huntsman (R-UT):
SCHWARZENEGGER: Climate Change. It's a test of leadership.
SCHWEITZER: Solve it and we help free America from its addiction to foriegn oil.
HUNTSMAN: Bring new jobs and exports.
SCHWARZENEGGER: And clean our air.
SCHWEITZER: Ignore it and we're in real trouble.
HUNTSMAN: In state after state
SCHWARZENEGGER: We're taking action.
HUNTSMAN: Now, it's time for Congress to act by capping greenhouse gas pollution.
SCHWEITZER: We're leading
SCHWARZENEGGER: Now it's their turn. [Environmental Defense Action Fund Ad, 11/29/07, via The Oregonian]
Huntsman: "We Must Put A Value On Carbon." During an October 2008 gubernatorial debate, Huntsman was asked about his decision to join the Western Climate Initiative, a regional effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From Huntsman's response:
HUNTSMAN: In order to get to the heart and soul of carbon emission, which is a problem because it leads to polluted skies and air quality problems and climate change, we must put a value on carbon. Until we put a value on carbon, we're never going to be able to get serious about dealing with climate change longer-term. Now putting a value on carbon either suggest that you go to a carbon tax or you get a cap and trade system under way.
Now we as western governors and as head of the Western Governors Association, I'm doing my best as the leader of this group to develop a comprehensive energy program that we're going to turn over to the next president of the United States, which will include issues of affordability, issues of energy independence, and issues of sustainability. And when I speak of sustainability, I talk ultimately about a cap and trade system. [KCPW-UT, 10/16/08, via YouTube.com]
Fmr. Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
Huckabee: We Have A Responsibility "To Recognize That Climate Change Is Here. It's Real." From an October 2007 speech at the Clean Air Cool Planet conference:
HUCKABEE: The one thing all of us have a responsibility to do is to recognize that climate change is here, it's real. But what we have to do is stop pointing fingers about who's at fault and saying whose responsibility it is to fix it and recognize it's all our fault and it's all our responsibility to fix it. [...]
I also support cap and trade of carbon emissions. And I was disappointed that the Senate rejected a carbon counting system to measure the sources of emissions, because that would have been the first and the most important step toward implementing true cap and trade. [Huckabee Speech, 12/16/10, via Think Progress]
Huckabee On Greenhouse Gases: "It's Not About A Political Issue, It's About Wanting So That My Children Can Enjoy The Same Beautiful World." From audio of an event in New Hampshire posted in August 2007 by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund:
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You called yourself a conservationist in the past and I was wondering what your position on federal standards that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whether it be a CAFE standard or a cap on carbon?
HUCKABEE: You know, I'm open to a number of things. The key thing we have to do is to remember that we are guests on the planet Earth. We don't own it. It's not ours to do what we want. And I think the basic rule that I would approach it is as a Christian, from my own faith is understanding that the Earth is the Lord's. It's not mine to abuse. It's mine to take care of, to leave in better shape than I found it. The old boy scout rule that I said when I was a boy scout as a kid: Leave your campsite in better shape than you found it. Rather than politicize a lot of the issues about the environment and global warming, which a lot of people want to do, and turn it into a fight, we need to turn it into a course when we all recognize that rather than ask me what's the federal government going to do, it starts with me. You know, I believe that before I ask the government what it's going to do -- what am I going to do? [...]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you don't believe that the federal government should put a cap on the carbon or are you open to that action?
HUCKABEE: I'm saying I'm open to what would be necessary but I still think it has to start with those of us who as individual citizens and Americans need to realize it's not about a political issue, it's about wanting so that my children can enjoy the same beautiful world I'm looking at right here that I'm enjoying, that is at least as nice if not nicer, that the streams are cleaner, that the air is more breathable. That's for their sake. It's not about me, it ought to be about my kids. [League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, 8/20/07, via YouTube.com]
Huckabee: "I Think We Ought To Have Some Cap And Trade." In December 2007, CBS News' Katie Couric asked the presidential candidates if the "risks of climate change are being over-hyped." Huckabee responded:
HUCKABEE: I don't know. I mean, the honest answer for me, scientifically, is I don't know. But here's one thing I do know, that we ought to not let this become this big political football and point of argument. We all ought to agree that we live on this planet as guests. I think Republicans have made a big mistake by not being more on the forefront of conservationism.
I consider myself a conservationist. I think we ought to have some cap and trade. It worked with acid rain. I think it could work with CO2 emissions. I think we ought to be out there talking about ways to reduce energy consumption and waste. And we ought to declare that we will be oil free of energy consumption in this country within a decade, bold as that is.
Frankly, it's a matter of national security to get to the point where we're not dependent upon oil coming from countries who, frankly, aren't very friendly to us. [CBS News, 12/11/07]
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Graham: "I Can't Imagine" A Presidential Nominee Arguing That "Climate Change Is Not Real And Man Is Not Contributing To It." E&E News reported:
In an interview last month, Graham said South Carolina voters have focused on global warming because of its effect on hunting and recreational opportunities. And he mentioned the strong religious faction in his state that also is concerned about the issue.
"I can't imagine a nominee for either major party arguing to the public that climate change is not real and man is not contributing to it," Graham said. "If they take that position, the public is going to really question their judgment." [E&E News, 2/2/07, via Nexis]
Graham: "I Am Convinced That Something Is Going On Out There That Is Man-Made And Contributing To Global Climate Change." From the transcript of a February 2006 panel held by the Sustainable Energy Institute:
GRAHAM: Senator McCain is certainly one of the leaders in the country on this issue and he's a good friend. And I've gone all over the world with him, to mostly cold places looking at climate change. I've always wondered about that. But the thing I like most about the Senate is you can make a D in science and still be part of the global climate change movement. And what's scary is I feel about as qualified as the next guy on this stuff. But when you go around and you listen to the native people something is going on. That was the most compelling case to me. And just the idea that China and India's economies are just on the verge, you know, they don't really have many cars in China. One day they will. And what's the harm if I'm wrong? Now I don't want to cripple business, but the upside is huge and the downside is small. But listening to the native people in the northern region of the worlds I am convinced that something is going on out there that is man-made and contributing to global climate change. And I'd like to get ahead of it. [E&E News, 2/9/06, via Nexis]
Graham: "We agree That Climate Change Is Real And Threatens Our Economy And National Security." From an October 2009 New York Times op-ed written by Graham and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA):
First, we agree that climate change is real and threatens our economy and national security. That is why we are advocating aggressive reductions in our emissions of the carbon gases that cause climate change. We will minimize the impact on major emitters through a market-based system that will provide both flexibility and time for big polluters to come into compliance without hindering global competitiveness or driving more jobs overseas. [New York Times, 10/10/09]
Graham: "I Believe That Climate Change Is Real ... And It's Going To Make the World Even A Much More Dangerous Place." From an October 2009 ClimateWire report:
In 2006, Graham cosponsored a bill with Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) that would have set mandatory limits on several traditional air pollutants and carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. And before the 2008 presidential primaries, Graham said South Carolina voters were concerned about global warming because of its effect on hunting and recreational opportunities.
"I can't imagine a nominee for either major party arguing to the public that climate change is not real and man is not contributing to it," he said in February 2007. "If they take that position, the public is going to really question their judgment." [...]
"I really do believe that our energy dependence, that as much as we rely on foreign oil as a national security nightmare, I believe that climate change is real and it's going to affect the food supply over time, and it's going to make the world even a much more dangerous place.
"It's not just me saying it," Graham added. "A bunch of generals are saying it. So I think there's a lot of national security reasons that you'd want to control greenhouse gases. A lot of national security reasons you'd want to get more independent when it comes to finding your own energy." [ClimateWire, 10/13/09, via New York Times]
Graham: I've "Seen The Effects Of A Warming Planet." From a November 2009 press conference:
GRAHAM: The reason I've gotten involved in this issue is I see kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity politically to solve two real problems that I think the country, and the world, faces. One, carbon pollution. I am no scientist, but I've travelled throughout the world with Senator McCain and others and seen the effects of a warming planet. And I do believe all of the cars we have on the roads, and the trucks and all the energy we use that produces carbon daily is not a good thing for the planet. [Think Progress, 11/4/09]
Fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA)
Romney: "I Think The Risks Of Climate Change Are Real And That You're Seeing Real Climate Change." In December 2007, CBS News' Katie Couric asked the presidential candidates if the "risks of climate change are being over-hyped." Romney responded:
ROMNEY: I think the risks of climate change are real and that you're seeing real climate change. Ithink human activity is contributing to it. I would develop within this country sources of energy which would allow us to be free of foreign oil. But sources that don't emit CO2. And that's nuclear power, clean-burning coal, all of our renewable resources and so forth. I also want to see much greater efficiencies in our autos, in our homes, in our businesses. That'll get us energy independent.
I don't want to have America unilaterally think it's somehow gonna stop global warming. They don't call it America warming. They call it global warming. And that means China, which is the biggest CO2 emitter in the world, as well as other nations, like Indonesia and Brazil, are going to have to be a part of the global effort. So Kyoto was wrong, because it left major polluting nations out. [CBS News, 12/11/07]
Romney: "Of Course We Have To Tackle The Threat Of Climate Change." During a January 2008 speech before the Detroit Economic Club, Romney criticized the McCain-Lieberman climate bill and added: "Now of course we have to tackle the threat of climate change. But we don't call it America warming, we call it global warming." [Romney Speech, 1/14/08, via Council on Foreign Relations]
Romney: "I Believe We're Seeing Global Warming ... And I Believe That Human Activity Contributes To It." From the audio of an event in New Hampshire posted by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund in August 2007:
ROMNEY: I believe we're seeing global warming. The scientists suggest we are. And I believe that human activity contributes to it. I don't know how much of global warming is due to our activity. I just don't know that answer. I don't know that I have to solve that answer because the action I believe I would take falls into two categories. Number one is to work with other nations in the world to reduce their and our collective emissions of greenhouse gases. I would not do that on a U.S.-only basis, meaning if we're going to reduce CO2 emissions and other emissions, we should do that with other nations. They don't call it "America warming," they call it global warming. China emits more greenhouse gases now than we do. So let's not put restrictions on ourselves that make our nation a far more expensive nation to do business and [inaudible] people go to China and emit more. Let's do something on a global basis.
Secondly, we can dramatically reduce our CO2 emissions all by ourselves by putting ourselves realistically on a course toward having energy independence. And for me that means developing nuclear power, bio-diesel, bio-fuel, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, wind, solar, liquefied coal, gasefied coal and other technologies yet to be discovered. Let's develop additional sources of energy, including by the way in my view drill additional -- drill in ANWR, drill in the Outer Continental Shelf in an environmentally responsible way. Let's also become more efficient in our use of energy. And by that I mean automobiles that get much better mileage, homes that are much more energy efficient. The combination of more efficiency and more development of our own resources can help America reach energy independence. [League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, 8/1/07, via YouTube.com]
Romney: "The Reduction In The Size Of Global Ice Caps Is Hard To Ignore." From a January 2011 Politico article:
Romney worked for two years as Massachusetts governor to cap greenhouse gases from power plants as part of a regional pact. Although he pulled the state out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative for economic reasons, Romney continues to express concerns about rising temperatures.
"I believe that climate change is occurring - the reduction in the size of global ice caps is hard to ignore," Romney wrote in his 2010 book "No Apologies: The Case for American Greatness." "I also believe that human activity is a contributing factor." [Politico, 1/2/11]
Fmr. Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)
Giuliani: "The Overwhelming Number Of Scientists Now Believe That There Is Significant Human Cause." From a February 2007 San Francisco Chronicle article:
"I do believe there's global warming, yes" said Giuliani, in response to reporters questions following his talk to the Churchill Club. "The big question has always been how much of it is happening because of natural climate changes and how much of it is happening because of human intervention."
But, he added, "The overwhelming number of scientists now believe that there is significant human cause." He said the debate on the existence of global warming is "is almost unnecessary...because we should be dealing with pollution anyway.
Giuliani, who met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for more than an hour this weekend on issues such as California's landmark legislation on climate change -- said he did not know all the details of the state bills. But "I generally agree with Gov. Schwarzenegger," he said. "He's a good friend and a progressive leader."
Adam Mendelsohn, the governor's communications director, said Monday that the comments underscore how Schwarzenegger's actions have meant that "the issue of global warming is no longer a Democratic issue only...but a Republican issue as well."' [San Francisco Chronicle, 2/12/07]
Giuliani: "The Things That Have To Be Done For Global Warming Are Largely The Same That Have To be Done To Get A Cleaner, Healthier Environment." From the audio of a New Hampshire event posted in May 2007 by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund:
GIULIANI: Rather than get into some massive and endless debate about not so much global warming -- I think there is pretty broad agreement on global warming. The debate is about how much do humans contribute to it. And I think the majority if not overwhelming opinion of scientists, the reading that I've been able to do is that humans do contribute to it. There are some who say it's exaggerated. I think you get beyond the whole debate by saying the things that have to be done for global warming are largely the same that have to be done to get a cleaner, healthier environment. And overlap somewhat, not completely, with what has to be done for energy independence. [League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, 5/10/07, via YouTube.com]
Giuliani: "We Have To Accept The View That Scientists Have That There Is Global Warming." From a June 2007 Republican presidential primary debate:
GIULIANI: I think we have to accept the view that scientists have that there is global warming and that human operation, human condition contributes to that. And the fact is that there is a way to deal with it and to address it in a way that we can also accomplish energy independence, which we need as a matter of national security.
It's frustrating and really dangerous for us to see money going to our enemies because we have to buy oil from certain countries. We should be supporting all the alternatives. We need a project similar to putting a man on the moon. [Republican Presidential Candidates Debate, 6/5/07, via the New York Times]
Giuliani: "I Think That Our Party Should Embrace This As An Issue For Us." During a December 2007 Republican presidential debate, Giuliani said, "Climate change is real. It's happening. I believe human beings are contributing to it. I think the best way to deal with it is through energy independence." He added, "And I think that our party should embrace this as an issue for us." [Iowa Public Television, 12/12/07, via YouTube.com]
Fmr. Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK)
Palin: "We Are Already Seeing The Effects ... We Must Begin To Prepare For Those Changes Now." From a September 2007 Greenwire report:
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) created the Climate Change Sub-Cabinet last week to address climate change issues in the state.
The group will consist of various state commissioners and will be chaired by the Environmental Conservation department commissioner. It will consolidate the state's knowledge about the expected effects of global warming in Alaska, recommend measures and policies to prepare communities and residents to respond to those effects and guide the state's participation in efforts to curb and respond to global warming.
"Many scientists note that Alaska's climate is changing," Palin said. "We are already seeing the effects. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, retreating sea ice and record forest fires affect our communities and our infrastructure. Some scientists tell us to expect more changes in the future. We must begin to prepare for those changes now" (Amanda Fehd, Juneau Empire, Sept. 16). [Greenwire, 9/18/07, via Nexis]
Palin: "It's Real; We Need To Do Something About It." During a CBS News interview, Katie Couric asked Sarah Palin, "Is [global warming] man-made, though in your view?" Palin responded:
PALIN: You know there are - there are man's activities that can be contributed to the issues that we're dealing with now, these impacts. I'm not going to solely blame all of man's activities on changes in climate. Because the world's weather patterns are cyclical. And over history we have seen change there. But kind of doesn't matter at this point, as we debate what caused it. The point is: it's real; we need to do something about it. [CBS News, 9/30/08]
Palin: "We See The Effects Of Climate Change More So Than Any Other Area ... We Got To Do Something About It." During an interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson, Sarah Palin said:
PALIN: I believe that man's activities certainly can be contributing to the issue of global warming, climate change. Here in Alaska, the only arctic state in our union, of course, we see the effects of climate change more so than any other area with ice pack melting. Regardless, though, of the reason for climate change, whether it's entirely, wholly caused by man's activities or is part of the cyclical nature of our planet -- the warming and the cooling trends -- regardless of that, John McCain and I agree that we got to do something about it and we have to make sure that we're doing all we can to cut down on pollution. [ABC News, 9/11/08]
Palin: "I Believe In Science And Have Such Great Respect For What They Are Telling Us." From a local ABC station article about Palin's interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson:
Gibson challenged Palin for flip flopping on global warming; taking on John McCain's position that global warming does have man-made causes.
"Call me a cynic, but I hear a little bit of change in your policy there when you say yes now your beginning to say it is man-made," said Gibson.
"I think you are a cynic, I have not said that. I believe in science and have such great respect for what they are telling us. I'm not going to disagree with the point that they make that man's activities can be attributed to changes," said Palin. [KGO-TV, 9/13/08]
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Alexander Notes "Scientific Consensus That Human Activity Is Having A Significant Influence On Global Temperature Increases." From Alexander's comment on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report:
"This new report confirms the scientific consensus that human activity is having a significant influence on global temperature increases," said Alexander. "This is the year for Congress to take an important first step on climate change by establishing a market-based system of greenhouse gas permits that would control carbon dioxide produced by power plants." [US Fed News, 2/2/07, via Nexis]
Alexander: It Is "Time To Acknowledge That Climate Change Is Real, Human Activity Is A Big Part Of The Problem, And It Is Up To Us To Act." From an April 2007 press release:
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today introduced legislation to reduce air pollution and the threat of global warming by enacting strict standards on four major pollutants from power plants.
Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), who chairs a key environmental subcommittee, is the bill's lead cosponsor.
"When the Cherokees named the Great Smoky Mountains, they weren't talking about smog and soot," Alexander said. "Unfortunately, today they probably would be. There has been recent progress, but air pollution is still a serious health problem, causing illnesses from asthma to premature death and making it harder to attract new jobs. Because the wind blows polluted air into Tennessee, our communities cannot have healthy air without strong national standards. It is also time to acknowledge that climate change is real, human activity is a big part of the problem, and it is up to us to act." [States News Service, 4/19/07, via Nexis]
Alexander: "Climate Change Is A Problem We Need To Deal With." From a December 2009 Republican press conference on EPA climate regulations:
But among Republicans, I think it's fair to say that there are three areas in which we are virtually unanimous, if not unanimous. One is Senator Kyl's comment that whatever commitments the United States makes overseas about dealing with climate change, Congress needs to approve it on behalf of the American people.
Second, dealing with climate change is so vitally important to our economy and our jobs that the Congress needs to decide how to deal with it, not a federal regulatory agency. [CQ Transcriptions, 12/17/09, via Nexis]
Fmr. Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Sanford: "Climate Change Is Real. We're Looking At This As An Opportunity To Lead." The State reported in January 2007:
Gov. Mark Sanford says global warming is a fact and he's organizing a commission to determine how South Carolina can best fight the problem.
"Climate change is real," Sanford said in an interview with The State last week. "We're looking at this as an opportunity to lead."
South Carolina will become the second state in the Southeast to form a global warming commission behind only North Carolina, according to the nonprofit Center for Climate Strategies in Washington. [The State, 1/29/07]
Sanford: "I Believe Human Activity Is Having A Measurable Effect On The Environment." In a February 23, 2007, Washington Post op-ed, Sanford wrote:
For the past 20 years, I have seen the ever-so-gradual effects of rising sea levels at our farm on the South Carolina coast. I've had to watch once-thriving pine trees die in that fragile zone between uplands and salt marshes. I know the climate change debate isn't over, but I believe human activity is having a measurable effect on the environment.
The real "inconvenient truth" about climate change is that some people are losing their rights and freedoms because of the actions of others -- in either the quality of the air they breathe, the geography they hold dear, the insurance costs they bear or the future environment of the children they love. [Washington Post, 2/23/07]
Sanford On Climate: "Rights And Freedoms End When They Begin To Infringe Upon The Rights Of Others." On February 16, 2007, Sanford issued an executive order creating a Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee. The order stated in part:
For the last twenty years of my life, I have seen the ever-so-gradual effects of rising ocean levels at our farm in Beaufort County. In some cases, it's been watching pine trees die in that fragile zone between uplands and salt marsh; in other cases it's meant finding roots in areas that would never grow a tree, given the current salt water levels. While I understand very clearly the debate on whether or not these events come as a result of man's activity - or just the effects of nature taking its course - I've had other personal experiences that strongly suggest to me that man is having an impact on the environment. The last time I was in Beijing on a trade trip, we happened to be there on a bad smog day. When I went outside I could see no more than a quarter of a mile and my eyes watered.
Man is quite clearly having an impact in that part of the world, and while it's been my longtime belief as a conservative that I should exercise as many rights and freedoms as possible, those rights and freedoms end when they begin to infringe upon the rights of others. Lloyd's of London, in fact, just commissioned a study looking at the rising cost of insurance around the world based on the rising risk of catastrophic damage due to changes in climate. So based on this notion of some people losing rights and freedoms because of the actions of others - in either the quality of the air they breathe, geography they hold dear, the cost of their insurance, or future environmental impacts to children they love - I think it is very reasonable for us to study climate change and its possible impacts for South Carolina.
The American way is to lead, and to lead in looking for solutions. It's my earnest hope that, consistent with the administration's conservative philosophy and commitment to market principles, some recommendations can be found that will have an impact in this state - and even other states and the nation as a whole - as a growing consensus emerges on the need to at least consider this issue in ways that have not been done in the past. [SCStateouse.gov, accessed 3/28/11]
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Murkowski: "Clearly Climate Change Is There; It's Real." The National Journal reported:
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, says that her state is the "tip of the spear" on climate change in the United States. "Clearly, climate change is there; it's real," she said in an interview. "We can see it happening in Alaska more so than in other parts of the country." Murkowski is in line to become the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the 111th Congress, putting her in a key position to influence the legislative debate on climate change. [National Journal, 9/13/08, via Nexis]
Murkowski: "There Is A Great Deal At Risk From The Human Side Of It." From a September 2008 Council on Foreign Relations meeting:
MURKOWSKI: The one area that I did not touch upon, and I -- not because it is not of the utmost importance, but the impact to the indigenous people as we see the impacts of climate change are very real. And Richard and Arlene and those who live up north are seeing it with their very eyes. Their culture is changing; their languages are threatened. There is a great deal at risk from the human side of it, and we cannot forget that as we get focused on commerce or as we get focused on energy exploration. That human side is very, very key and very critical. And I'm not convinced that our arctic policy is perhaps addressing that as critically as they might. [Federal News Service, 9/15/08, via Nexis]
Murkowski: "It Is Responsible For Us To Take Actions To Reduce Carbon Emissions." From a July 2007 Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources press release:
Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) today introduced bipartisan legislation designed to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the U.S. economy and interacting with key developing countries in their efforts to deal with the challenges of global warming. Original cosponsors include Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Ted Stevens (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI).
The Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007 creates an economy-wide mandatory tradable-permits system that is modeled after the successful U.S. Acid Rain Program. By setting an annual target and allowing firms to buy, sell and trade credits to achieve that target, the program is designed to achieve the most cost-effective carbon reductions across the economy. The target and technology incentives are designed to avoid harm to the economy while promoting a gradual but decisive transition to new, lower-carbon technologies. [...]
Sen. Murkowski: "In Alaska we have been feeling the impacts of a warming climate for decades. The permafrost is melting, Arctic ice is disappearing and wildlife habitat is changing. It is responsible for us to take actions to reduce carbon emissions, as long as we can do it without harming our economy. By starting now with a program that funds and spurs technological research and development we can purchase an insurance policy against catastrophic climate effects at relatively little cost." [Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, 7/11/07]
Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN)
Lugar: "The Problem Is Real And Is Exacerbated By Man-Made Emissions Of Greenhouse Gases." From a May 2007 Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing:
LUGAR: Our scientific understanding of climate change has advanced significantly. We have better computer models, more measurements and more evidence -- from the shrinking polar caps to expanding tropical disease zones for plants and humans -- that the problem is real and is exacerbated by man-made emissions of greenhouse gases. In the long run, this could bring drought, famine, disease and mass migration, all of which could lead to conflict. [Federal News Service, 5/9/07, via Nexis]
Lugar: "Economic And Social Disruptions From Pest And Disease Spread Could Cause Untold Conflicts." E&E Daily reported in June 2006:
During the speech, Lugar also called for adaptation to global warming. He said the United States needs to take into account the effect of stronger hurricanes in coastal development decisions. And he argued that farming practices and agriculture policies need to prepare for climate change, explaining a disease known as soybean rust that has spread from more tropical areas to "attack farmers" in Indiana and surrounding states.
"Economic and social disruptions from pest and disease spread could cause untold conflicts and crises around the world," he said.
Lugar likened global warming skeptics to the opponents he and former Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.) faced more than a decade ago when dealing with the nuclear proliferation threat tied to the collapse of the Soviet Union. "The naysayers can be overcome," he said. [E&E Daily, 6/16/06, via Nexis]
Lugar: "Climate Change Will Bring More Droughts, Floods And Other Weather Calamities." From Lugar's January 2007 testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works:
[T]he burning of these fossil fuels has greatly increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that could cause major changes in the earth's climate. Climate change will bring more droughts, floods and other weather calamities. Pests and disease will spread into new regions of the world, threatening public health and economic growth and making these areas more prone to conflict.
The interlinked challenges of global health, energy security, democracy promotion, and extreme climate change should be addressed in a comprehensive way. [Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, 1/30/07]
Lugar: "Progress On Climate Change Can Go Hand In Hand With Progress On Energy Security, Air Pollution, And Technology Development." From a February 2006 Associated Press article:
Since talks on the Kyoto treaty began in 1992, Lugar said, the scientific understanding of climate change has advanced significantly and India and China, which won exemptions from the treaty's emission-cutting requirements, have experienced rapid economic growth.
"Most importantly, thanks to new technology, we can control many greenhouse gases with proactive, pro-growth solutions, not just draconian limitations on economic activity," he said. "Industry and government alike recognize that progress on climate change can go hand in hand with progress on energy security, air pollution and technology development."
Lugar cited a recent report from the Pew Climate Center, a non-partisan organization, which called for fresh approaches beyond Kyoto, which expires in 2012, and said the United States must engage all the major economies at once, including India and China.
"The United States, the world's richest country and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, should seize this moment to make a new beginning by return to international negotiations in a leadership role under the Framework Convention on Climate Change," he said.
"I believe that the United States is prepared to do that," Lugar said. "Our friends and allies should embrace this opportunity to achieve a comprehensive international approach to global warming." [Associated Press, 2/7/06, via Nexis]
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
Cornyn Said He Would Support "Market-Driven" Approach To Climate Change. From a February 2007 Environment & Energy Daily article:
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said he did not have an opinion on the TXU deal. But pressed to explain his position on climate change, Cornyn signalled an interest in technological innovation as well as newfound interest in mandatory programs.
"We're just at the very beginning of coming up with the right solution," Cornyn said. "I would support more of a market-driven approach, much as the way EPA has dealt with acid rain. Cap and trade is one that makes a lot of sense to me. But as I say, we're at the beginning of this debate. [Environment & Energy Daily, 2/28/07, via Nexis]
Cornyn: "I Do Believe We Need To Act." From a May 2004 Environment & Energy Daily article:
A lead sponsor of legislation requiring first-ever greenhouse gas controls on U.S. industry is optimistic his bill will gain momentum following the release later this month of Hollywood's big-budget climate change disaster film "The Day After Tomorrow."
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), cosponsor with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) of a climate change bill that fell eight votes shy of Senate passage last October, has been eyeing another opportunity this session to hold a vote on the measure, most likely before the July 4th recess. In an interview yesterday, McCain declined comment when asked for specifics about his strategy to bring S. 139 back to the floor, but he did acknowledge that the hype associated with the movie may be the boost he needs to trigger another debate. [...]
Freshman GOP Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) admitted the movie may spark interest among his colleagues to have a debate, though he said he would like to see it steered not to McCain-Lieberman, but instead toward passage of President Bush's Clear Skies initiative. "I don't discount the importance of the [climate change] issue," Cornyn said. "I do believe we need to act. If [the movie] provides the impetus, all the better." [Environment & Energy Daily, 5/19/04, via Nexis]
Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN)
Corker: We "Need To Address This Issue." From a June 2008 Investor's Business Daily article:
But even those who oppose the bill before the Senate are increasingly accepting the science behind global warming.
"I choose not to debate the science," said Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. "We as a country and we as a world need to address this issue."
But Corker said he would oppose a bill that he decried as "the mother and father of all earmarks." [Investor's Business Daily, 6/4/08, via Nexis]
Corker: "There's Becoming A Consensus That There's No Reason To Debate The Science." From a May 2008 Chattanooga Times Free Press article:
Energy issues have been one of Sen. Corker's top priorities since the beginning of his tenure, landing him a seat on the Senate Energy Committee. From that pulpit, he has emerged as a leading Republican ally in the fight against global warming.
In meetings with his Republican colleagues, he has urged even those most resistant to the idea that global warming is influenced by human activity that legislative action ought to be pursued to combat its acceleration.
"There's becoming a consensus that there's no reason to debate the science," Sen. Corker said. "The place to be in this debate is in discussing the policies and how it affects the world." [Chattanooga Times Free Press, 5/12/08]
Corker: "We Have A Unique Opportunity To Marry Concerns about Carbon Dioxide Emissions" And "Energy Security." From a July 2007 Tennessean article:
A debate is expected this fall in Congress that will focus on climate change and energy independence and will be "a defining moment" for the country, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said today.
He has colleagues in Congress that are preparing bills that would limit the amount of carbon dioxide emissions permitted from burning fossil fuels in any one area of the country. The bills would also propose allowing the rights to release the pollutant to be traded.
Such a system is already in place in Europe.
"I am certainly leaning in that direction," Corker, R-Tenn., said.
"I think we have a unique opportunity to marry concerns about carbon dioxide emissions... and energy security in a way that can be very productive for our country."
The outcome could "enhance our ability to move along with technological advances on energy" that would make the country more energy independent and reduce pollution, he said.
Corker had returned Sunday from a two-day trip to Greenland to view the effects of climate change that many scientists say is the result of global warming quickened by carbon dioxide emissions. [The Tennessean, 7/30/07, via Nexis]
Gov. Sam Brownback (R-KS)
Brownback: "Climate Change Is Happening And I Believe It Is A Problem." From a February 2006 Wichita Eagle article:
Sen. Sam Brownback is being urged to take a tougher stance on global warming by members of a constituency he normally counts among his staunchest supporters: evangelical Christians.
A group called the Evangelical Climate Initiative will begin airing television ads in Kansas in the next two weeks urging the government to pay more attention to global warming. They're courting Brownback, a leading Christian conservative in Congress, to support mandatory limits on the emissions many scientists believe contribute to climate change.
Brownback said that "climate change is happening and I believe it is a problem," but that "with climate change legislation, we must be persistent, tempered and wise." [The Wichita Eagle, 2/9/06, via Nexis]
Brownback: "We Need To Reduce Our Carbon Dioxide Emissions Into The Atmosphere." From a June 2007 speech:
The 15 year goal, we must be energy self-reliant in North America in the next 15 years. At the same time we need to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This is possible using our ingenuity, resources, and determination. For too long our foreign policy has been dictated, in part, by our need for foreign oil. It is in this interest for American security for us to look at ways to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. [E&E News, 6/6/07, via Nexis]
Brownback: It's "Prudent" To Recognize That Climate Is Changing. From a January 2007 Associated Press article:
On a day when the temperature didn't reach double digits, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas called for reductions in greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, the Republican presidential candidate said most scientists agree that rising levels of carbon dioxide have caused a rise in global temperatures. Brownback said levels of carbon dioxide, or CO2, have increased since the industrial revolution but have risen more quickly in recent decades.
"It seems to me just prudent that we recognize we have climate increase and temperature change," he said. "We have CO2 loading and we need to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere." [Associated Press, 1/31/07]