Utah Votes “No” On Global Warming, With Implications for the Debate in New Mexico
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New Mexico’s neighbor to the northwest has resoundingly rejected both the theory of man-made global warming and the EPA’s agenda to regulate and cap CO2 emissions. Although proposed legislation to give the Environment Department and the Environmental Improvement Board authority to work on implementing a cap and trade regime for New Mexico has died in this legislature, the EIB is moving forward to consider a petition by New Energy Economy of Santa Fe and other environmental groups to impose a cap on C02 emissions statewide.
The Utah legislature passed a joint resolution (embedded below) that tackles head-on the scientific claims of man-made global warming. It points out–correctly–that average global temperatures (air, land and oceans) have been flat for twelve years. It argues that the cause of the warming prior to 1998 was unregulated release of cholorofluorocarbons, and that the leveling of temperatures was the result of the decrease in those emissions. It also states that proposals to cap CO2 emissions–and thereby both reduce energy production while increasing its cost–will hurt efforts to raise 1.6 billion people from crushing poverty.
Proponents of capping CO2 emissions will have their counterarguments. But this resolution from Utah at the very least discredits refrains about “consensus” when it comes to global warming. Proponents in the EIB forum will not be able to rest their case without now actually proving both the scientific claims of cause and effect and refuting arguments about the adverse impacts of the emissions cap they seek.
The petition before the EIB relies heavily on the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The scientific integrity of those reports and the general theory of anthropogenic global warming are being shaken by revelations from the Climategate scandal and disclosures of outright falsehoods in the reports, such as the claim that Himalyan glaciers would all melt by a date certain, or statements not supported by peer-reviewed scientific research. This resolution from Utah is probably the first of its kind from state legislatures and is likely to be presented as an exhibit in the EIB hearings. It also impedes Gov. Bill Richardson’s vision of a Western Climate Initiative that would fashion a regional cap and trade regime.
Posted under News.
Tags: AGW, climate change, Environmental Improvement Board, environmentalism, global warming
11:02 am on February 11th, 2010
Hooray, hooray. The local newspaper didn’t mention this did it? Thanks Jim.
9:04 pm on February 11th, 2010
Santa Fe New Mexican, where are you when needed?
Out to lunch?
11:22 pm on February 13th, 2010
I think Jim should change his title to Corporate NM Attack Dog.
Ten of the twelve years between 1997 and 2008 were the hottest on record according to NASA.
Where did you get the data that shows the last ten years temperatures were flat, Faux News? A simple Google search would have enlightened you of the facts.
I know that some people don’t want those pesky scientists, with their hidden agendas, telling us what to believe. We should trust our corporate overloards to tell us what we should believe, they have our best interests in mind.
6:49 pm on February 16th, 2010
Where would I get the idea that global average temperatures (ocean, land and atmosphere) have not been warming during the past decade or so? How about from the man who complied the raw data behind the IPCC reports, who now acknowledges the fact? Dr. Philip Jones of East Anglia Univ. has reopened the “science is settled” argument with his admission that global temps have not risen since 1995 and that the planet very well could have been warmer during the Medieval Warming Period. Read it: http://wattsupwiththat.com/2010/02/14/phil-jones-momentous-qa-with-bbc-reopens-the-science-is-settled-issues/
12:19 pm on February 17th, 2010
Jim, I send you data from NASA and you reply with opinion from a deaf weatherman’s blog. If you are going to disprove GW you need to use facts not opinion.
I guess your target audience doesn’t need or want facts getting in the way of their belief that GW is a left wing conspiracy.
I view Phil Jones and the IPCC as political animals and prefer to get my information from the scientific sources that are doing the research.
Using Utah as an example for disproving GW is also weak. These same people want to get rid of twelth grade in high school, i guess thats so the students can begin their church mission early.
I am growing weary of the battle and think that selling out may be my only option. How do you become a tool-spokesman for the oil and gas industry? do you have to sign a loyalty oath to them or is it a secret ceremony like the Masons?
Pete, in Los Lunas
P.S. How is the snowpack in the Gila? I haven’t been there in a few years and need to return to the West Fork and catch the wily trout.