House Science Chairman Lamar Smith puts climate change assessment on agenda

Todd J. Gillman
trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com
January 11, 2013

With federal scientists reporting this week that 2012 was the hottest year on record for the contiguous United States, by far, climate scientists and environmentalists have been abuzz with talk of a need for action. House Republicans, in particular, have fiercely resisted many of the suggested prescriptions.

The Texan who just took over as chairman of the House Science Committee, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, plans a fresh assessment, with a hearing in coming weeks on the current state of the environment, according to a committee aide.

“I believe climate change is due to a combination of factors, including natural cycles, sun spots, and human activity. But scientists still don’t know for certain how much each of these factors contributes to the overall climate change that the Earth is experiencing,” Smith said through an aide. “It is the role of the Science Committee to create a forum for discussion so Congress and the American people can hear from experts and draw reasoned conclusions. During this process, we should focus on the facts rather than on a partisan agenda.”

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This article was posted: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 4:19 pm

Tags: domestic news, science

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