Good morning,

 

Yesterday evening, Amy Coney Barrett tripled-down on her climate denial — calling climate change a “contentious matter” despite universal-acknowledgment from scientists and experts that human action is fueling the crisis. 

 

In response to a question from Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Barrett said she does not “have views that are informed enough.” Later, under questioning from Sen. Kamala Harris, Barrett refused to agree that climate change is threatening clean air and water, referring to climate change as too “contentious” and “controversial” to weigh in on. “I’m not a scientist” and similar refrains are long-used diversion tactics employed by Republicans to dodge questions on climate change and their anti-science records. 

 

The consequences will be felt widely as Sens. Cory Gardner, Martha McSally, Susan Collins, and Kelly Loeffler are running behind their challenges and have faced heavy criticism over their climate denial throughout the election. Barrett’s decision to deny climate change multiple times over the course of the hearing will force these senators to further justify their support of her nomination to their climate-conscious voters. You can read our full release here.

 

 

In response to Barrett’s repeated climate denial,  we’d love for you to share our new video, “I’m not a Scientist” on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. We've heard this response for years from the GOP and we know that climate isn't up for debate, Republicans' denial is dangerous and deadly.

 

We also wanted to share this piece by Blavity, “Stop Asking if Candidates Believe in Science and Let’s Focus on Real, Direct Questions About Climate Change” by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. In June, it was the derecho. In July, there were flash floods. In August, Tropical Storm Isaias brought more flooding. And this September was the ninth warmest in recorded history. Climate change is already here — and those were just a few of the extreme weather events we experienced in 2020-- so why are we spending so much time confirming whether or not our candidates believe in science?

 

Please share this article with your networks. 

 

Until next time,

Sydney & Climate Power 2020 Team

 

 

Sydney Snow

Senior Political Director

Climate Power 2020 Website | Twitter

904-891-1843