Follow the Money: Climate Denier, Senator James Inhofe

Lets play follow the money with James Inhofe the self proclaimed one man truth squad on Climate Change. Here is a little background on the Senator from Oklahoma.

Inhofe has a history of opposing environmental groups and global warming initiatives. There are several transcripts of Inhofe speeches on the Senate floor regarding this, offered as documents by his official website:

• July 28, 2003, "The Science of Climate Change"
• October 4, 2004, "Partisan Environmental Groups"
• January 4, 2005, "Climate Change Update"
• April 8, 2005, "First Four Pillars Speech"

On April 28, 2004, Inhofe was honored for his "work in promoting science-based public policy" [4] by the Annapolis Center for Science-Based Public Policy, a think tank that disputes the scientific consensus on the causes and magnitude of global warming. (The think tank has received $658,575 from ExxonMobil since 1998).

In 2003, the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that Inhofe "scored zero with the League of Conservation Voters since 1997, was the only senator to oppose Everglades restoration, and once compared the Environmental Protection Agency to the Gestapo." [8]

What could possibly be driving Inhofe's opinion towards Climate Change?

Oil and Coal Money in Politics

James M. Inhofe has accepted $311,800 in oil contributions during the 110th congress. $160,800 of those dollars were from industry PACS. In total, Inhofe received $662,506 from oil companies between 2000 and 2008, which makes him a top recipient of oil money. In addition to oil, Inhofe has received $152,800 in coal contributions during the 110th Congress. $94,500 of those dollars were from industry PACS. See above for oil and energy voting record.^[2]

James Mountain Inhofe is a ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

You Decide.

sourcewatch:

Update Jan 9-2010: A little more background on Inhofe as reported by Rolling Stone: