Sep 27, 2011
Rob Cornilles’ Extreme Stance on Climate Change is a Danger to Oregon Communities
How can Republican congressional candidate Rob Cornilles protect Oregon communities when his extreme views on climate change endanger their quality of life? Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence linking global warming to human activity, Rob Cornilles is sticking his head in the sand, refusing to search for real solutions or even acknowledge Oregon’s man-made climate change problem. At a candidate forum, Cornilles said, there is absolutely no “science that can be proven that suggests that man, that we through our activities advance climate change.”
However, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the change in climate due to human produced greenhouse gases has negatively affected Oregon’s water supply, and air pollution created from these gasses have contributed to respiratory diseases.
“Rob Cornilles’ extreme position on climate change is out of step with Oregonians in the first district and a danger to their communities,” said Amber Moon, Western Regional Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Oregonians need a representative in Congress who will protect their health, their environment and their quality of life, not an extremist like Rob Cornilles, who won’t even acknowledge scientific evidence.”
Background
Rob Cornilles Said There was “Absolutely No Science” That Showed Humans Advanced Climate Change. On May 5, 2010 at the Executive club in Portland Cornilles was asked, do you believe that there is global warming and do you think human activity has a significant effect on global temperatures? Cornilles said, “I think the climate is always changing, all we have to do is look back through the history books and the science books to realize this. There is absolutely no… science that can be proven that suggests that man, that we through our activities advance climate change.” [Executive Club, 5/5/11]
Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality Reported “Strong Evidence” Demonstrating Human Contribution to Global Warming. In 2011, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reported that there is “strong scientific evidence demonstrating that humans are contributing to the rapid acceleration of global temperatures.” The agency also reported that there were serious implications for Oregon's economy and environment associated with climate change, including shrinking snow packs and unseasonably warm temperatures which deplete Oregon’s supply of summer water for agriculture and wildlife. [Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, accessed 9/26/11]
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dangerous to Public Health and Welfare. Greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health and welfare. A report from the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality highlighted the dangers of emissions associated with climate change. Nitrogen dioxide emissions can cause lung irritation. Sulfur dioxide can contribute to respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Chronic exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia. [State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, 1/25/11; CNN, 12/7/09]
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