CO State Climate Bill Advances Without One Vote From "Concerned" Republican Legislators

[hatrack]

A climate change bill that would gradually reduce Colorado’s carbon emissions over the next 30 years is headed to the governor’s desk for approval — without a single Republican vote. Even as the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns of irreversible and long-term impacts if emissions are not aggressively curbed, Republican lawmakers in Colorado’s Senate Wednesday questioned the scientific consensus, the impact of Colorado’s action on a global challenge and the economics of transitioning from fossil fuels.

“There is no consensus — no consensus whatsoever — on CO2 climate change or man-made climate change,” said Sen. Vicki Marble, a Republican from Fort Collins. “It’s natural,” said Sen. John Cooke, a Republican from Greeley. “Pretty soon we’re gonna have global cooling. Because that’s what the Earth does.” His comments echoed those of Sen. Ray Scott of Grand Junction, who recently argued that “climate change is occurring, but in the reverse order,” saying that “we have made massive improvements in our climate. Massive improvements.”

Other Republicans acknowledged climate change is happening, and that warming in Colorado exacerbates drought, beetle kill and wildfires. But they said they have concerns about the economic impacts of transitioning away from fossil fuels like coal — the state’s top source of electricity — and the $31 billion oil and gas industry.

EDIT

In 2018, the oil and gas industry, including companies such as Noble Energy Inc., Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and Extraction Oil and Gas, spent $1.5 million on political committees that help elect Republicans to the state Senate and House, according to a Colorado Independent analysis of data from the Colorado secretary of state. Oil and gas businesses spent another $20,000 directly on candidates for office. That spending came on top of $40 million spent fighting a ballot measure to increase drilling setbacks.

EDIT

https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2019/05/02/colorado-climate-change-gop-votes/

[mountain grammy]

1. Stupid is still strong in Colorado..

but at least, for now, in the minority.