Category Archives: Congress: Legislation and Oversight

"4 Pinocchios" for Rep. Chris Stewart's dishonest statement about climate science experts

The Washington Post's Fact Checker blog awarded "Four Pinocchios" to Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah), chair of the House Science Subcommittee on Environment, for a "whopper" of dishonesty: cherry-picking one survey in an attempt to misrepresent the overwhelming view of the … Continue reading

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Congress re-boots on climate, Pt. 2: House Democrats’ actions in an inhospitable arena

House Democrats pressing for action on climate policy are having to resort to various work-arounds, in a situation where it is difficult even to get a meaningful climate change hearing, and for now impossible to move significant legislation. This could … Continue reading

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Congress re-boots on climate, Pt. 1: Senate climate science briefing

Signs of activity as the 'climate silence' from the President and Congress come to an end: On February 13 Senate Environment Committee chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) held a "Briefing on the Latest Climate Science" featuring scientists Jim McCarthy, Don Wuebbles, … Continue reading

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John Kerry and climate change: Recalling a federal lawsuit against the Bush administration

In August 2007 a federal court ruled the Bush administration was in violation of the Global Change Research Act and ordered it to produce a years-overdue national climate assessment. Sen. John Kerry, who had called on the administration to produce … Continue reading

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Recalling an exchange with Sen. John Kerry about climate change and the Bush White House

John Kerry is for real on pushing back against climate silence and the denial machine in Washington. I had the opportunity to testify before Senator Kerry and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee at a hearing on Climate Change Research and Scientific Integrity, … Continue reading

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New whistleblower law will significantly strengthen federal employee protections

On November 13 the Senate passed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, sending the bill to the White House for the President’s signature. The legislation provides millions of federal workers with the rights they need to safely report government corruption and … Continue reading

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House Democrats call for hearing on Hurricane Sandy and climate change

Representatives Henry Waxman (D-California) and Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) have sent a letter to Rep. Fred Upton (R-Michigan), Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, requesting a committee hearing during the upcoming lame duck session on climate change, with … Continue reading

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GOP continues attacks on new EPA greenhouse gas rules

September 20 and 21 marked business-as-usual for House Republicans as they attempted to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency’s powers to protect human health and the environment by regulating emissions of greenhouse gases.  The Energy and Power Subcommittee held the twenty-ninth … Continue reading

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US drought planning: Congress reviews the National Integrated Drought Information System

As the US Drought Monitor recorded more than 70% of the country as Abnormally Dry or, worse, under Moderate, Severe, Extreme, or Exceptional Drought conditions this month, the House Science Committee held a hearing to examine the role of the … Continue reading

Posted in Congress: Legislation and Oversight, Global Climate Disruption and Impacts | 1 Comment

Drawing battle lines over impending Arctic Ocean oil drilling – while House Republicans advance radical offshore drilling expansion bill

Will the Obama Administration bend environmental protection rules and set aside scientific concerns to allow Shell Oil to proceed with Arctic drilling this summer? A Shell drilling ship has failed to meet EPA clean air standards and Shell also has failed … Continue reading

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