Andrew Kaczynski of Buzzfeed reports John Boehner: “I’m Not Qualified To Debate Science Over Climate Change,” wherein Boehner sides steps the climate change question, saying he is not a scientist, in order to slam President Obama's plan to use executive authority to cut carbon emissions in coal plants by 20%.
When reporters asked Boehner his opinion of this plan, his declaration that "I'm not a scientist," did not prevent him from offering his expert analysis of the merits of the plan asserting that it will damage the economy and reduce the numbers of jobs.
“Listen, I’m not qualified to debate the science over climate change,” Boehner said. “I am astute to understand that every proposal that has come out of this administration to deal with climate change involves hurting our economy and killing American jobs. That can’t be the prescription for dealing with changes to our climate.” ...
Boehner has in the past called the Obama Administration’s climate change action plans “absolutely crazy” and has questioned whether climate change was man-made in the past.
Instead of asking the obvious question, "can you read Speaker Boehner? Because scientists tell us that global warming will devastate both jobs and the economy, and you do not need to be a scientist in order to be able read their reports," the reporters apparently just stood there speechless.
We should expect Republicans and the fossil fuel industry to attack President Obama's proposed environmental regulations to reduce coal emissions with all their vigor.
It's going to be a long hot summer - weather wise, and politically.
11:30 AM PT: President Obama planning to use executive authority to cut carbon emissions in coal plants by 20%
11:40 AM PT: Here's Speaker Boehner dismissing Democratic efforts to control CO2 emissions and promising George Stephanapolus that he would see a Republican plan coming soon - that was three years ago.
Infowars.com - Top House Republican: Idea that CO2 is harmful is comical