 Some other things I’ve read this week: Martha Plimpton on women’s rights being denied, Jessica Roy on attending a men’s rights conference, Marguerite Ward on Canada’s immigration policy, and Andy Warner and Lauren Sommer on the perils of ocean acidification.
John Whitehouse What’s Wrong With Hobby Lobby
Standing Up To George Will’s Bullying
Jobs Report “Too Good”?
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LIMBAUGH’S ADVICE FOR THE LADIES
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Monthly Archives: July 2014
States of Denial
More Than Half Of Republican Governors Are Climate Deniers
Here’s what we knew: Scientists are as sure of man-made climate change as they are that cigarettes kill. These changes already cause an increasing likelihood of extreme weather, pose dangerous health risks, and carry steep economic costs to taxpayers.
Here’s what we now know: Far too many governors, the people who see the impacts of climate change first hand and should be playing a leading role in their state, deny the climate science and refuse to believe that humans play a role in climate change. A CAP Action news analysis finds that of the 29 current Republican governors in the United States, fifteen — more than half — are climate change deniers. A number of others have made no public statement on climate science, have not taken action to address the issue, or have openly objected to federal safeguards that help blunt the impacts of climate change.
The map below lays this out in plain view (click here to view the interactive version). It categorizes governors into four groups: green for those who both accept climate science and are taking action to fight climate change; orange for those who either accept or haven’t openly denied climate science, but also have yet to take serious action to address climate change; red for those who have failed to take action or openly rejected to federal safeguards to address climate change; and red with stripes for climate deniers.
Here are just a few examples of some of the most backward comments and actions from governors around the country:
- Indiana: Governor Mike Pence (R). When asked if he accepts climate change science, Pence responded, “I don’t know that that is a resolved issue in science today…just a few years ago we were talking about global warming. We haven’t seen a lot of warming lately. I remember back in the 70’s we were talking about the coming ice age.” Pence also let Indiana’s state-wide energy efficiency program die by refusing to either sign or veto a bill that would end it (by default, the bill to end it became law).
- Maine: Governor Paul LePage (R). LePage is one of the most outspoken climate deniers, and has said that “scientists are divided on the subject.” He has argued that Maine could potentially benefit from the effects of climate change, vetoed legislation that would help the state prepare for extreme weather, blocked a bipartisan bill to expand solar power, and has attempted to dramatically reduce the state’s renewable energy standards to benefit large corporations.
- Texas: Governor Rick Perry (R). Perry has repeatedly questioned the science behind climate change — “I think we’re seeing almost weekly, or even daily, scientists that are coming forward and questioning the original idea that man-made global warming is what is causing the climate to change.” Perry, along with energy companies, industry front groups, and other conservative politicians, sued the EPA in an attempt to block the agency from regulating climate pollution. Their argument was that climate science is a hoax.
Instead of cutting carbon pollution and investing in clean energy, the fifteen Republican governors currently ignoring science have taken more than $15 million in campaign contributions from big polluters over the course of the careers. While their governors count the campaign cash, local communities are suffering.
BOTTOM LINE: Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus and the devastating impacts of climate change, more than half of America’s Republican governors are standing with the anti-science members of Congress. These officials, and the others who are dragging their feet on the issue, need to face the facts. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution from power plants requires state leadership, and the American people — who broadly support the new rules — want them to action.
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50 Years Later
In the latest installment of our audio series Being Biden, the Vice President reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and shares a photo of himself with Representative John Lewis, Jesse Jackson, and other leaders of the civil rights movement.
Vice President Biden reminds us that, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, we must also celebrate and remember the struggles of a generation that pushed to make the Declaration of Independence’s inalienable rights — of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” — a reality for all Americans.
Take a listen to the latest episode, “50 Years Later.”
Twenty-four states have not yet expanded Medicaid — and if they don’t change course, 5.7 million people won’t have access to health insurance coverage in 2016. Check out our new resource center, featuring an interactive map that shows how Medicaid expansion will help people in each state — from access to affordable health insurance and preventive care, to new jobs created.
The President Heads to D.C.’s Key Bridge to Talk Infrastructure and the Economy
Yesterday afternoon, President Obama talked about infrastructure and the economy, with Washington, D.C.’s Francis Scott Key Bridge serving as the backdrop.
President Obama Speaks on Immigration Reform
In the Rose Garden on Monday, President Obama reiterated his commitment to immigration reform and reproached House Republicans for their unwillingness to confront this important issue.
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As hurricane Arthur churns up the East Coast: Be Prepared
As hurricane Arthur makes its way up the East Coast consumers need to be prepared. When the gale-force winds start blowing and the torrential rain raises water level, people and their food and water supplies need to be ready.
Read this Consumer Update to find helpful tips to be prepared when the flooding begins.
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Celebrate oil savings solutions this Fourth of July
NEW VIDEO
The Military is Leading the Way to Half the Oil
Half the Oil Leadership
This Fourth of July, salute our military’s commitment to developing oil saving technologies that will benefit our nation.
We see the costs of oil all around us, from the impacts of storms and droughts exacerbated by climate change to the pain of volatile prices at the pump. And it’s a reality that confronts our military daily: every time the price of a barrel of oil rises by ten dollars, the military spends more than one billion dollars more on oil, and that’s money that can’t be used to protect our service men and women or our national security.
In fact, the U.S. military is the largest user of oil in the world. That’s why the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard are leading the way on investing in oil saving solutions.
Across the United States and around the world, engineers, active-duty service men and women, and veterans are producing non-food based biofuels for aircraft and ships and deploying hybrid and electric vehicle technology on military bases and in the field. That’s good for fighting climate change and for our national security.
To tell the story of how our military is affected by oil and what they are doing about it, the Union of Concerned Scientists partnered with the Truman National Security Project—a group of national security experts who are working to address some of our biggest global challenges. Truman’s Operation Free project raises the voices of military veterans who have seen the costs of our oil use first-hand, and share an unparalleled commitment to making clean energy solutions a reality. We are proud to be partnering with Operation Free to support efficient and clean fuel technologies and policies, and hope you’ll join us in sharing the video that we made to explain what’s possible when we work together.
Watch the video and share this important story on Facebook, Google+ or on Twitter by sharing the tweets below:
* On #4thofJuly, salute our military’s work to cut #oil use. Share @ucsusa & @operationfree video: j.mp/1mFcZP5 #HalftheOil
* The military developed microchips & GPS. Now it’s clean vehicles & fuels. @ucsusa & @operationfree video explains: j.mp/1mFcZP5
* Learn what #electriccars & our military have in common, watch new @ucsusa & @operationfree video: j.mp/1mFcZP5 #HalftheOil
You might be surprised to learn how much progress the military is making on cutting oil use, and what citizens and scientists can do to help make these solutions a reality for all of us.
Sincerely,
Rachel Cohen
National Field Organizer
Clean Vehicles Program
Union of Concerned Scientists
Be a Seed for Change 
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