In a shocking turn of events in the CO-06 debate last night, Congressman Mike Coffman revealed himself as a climate change denier. Coffman claimed that humans don’t contribute to climate change, and even worse, that climate change cannot be reversed. Here’s what Coffman didn’t explain about his reckless and irresponsible statements – that he’s taken at least $500,000 dollars from Big Oil.
“Congressman Coffman has taken $500,000 from Big Oil, and is denying the science behind climate change,” said Brandon Lorenz of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “For once Congressman Coffman’s words – that climate change isn’t real – matches his votes to protect tax breaks for Big Oil. Congressman Coffman has made it clear that he puts his Big Oil donors ahead of Colorado.”
BACKGROUND:
Congressman Coffman said he did not think humans contributed significantly to climate change. In 2014, the Denver Post reported: “Coffman appeared to stumble on questions about climate change. Asked whether humans contributed significantly to climate change, he responded that he did not think so.” [Denver Post, 9/23/14]
Congressman Coffman said climate change could not be reversed. In 2014, the Denver Post reported: “Asked whether climate change could be reversed, [Coffman] answered, ‘Don’t know.’ Asked by a Post moderator, ‘What? Sir?’ Coffman said, ’Um, no.’” [Denver Post, 9/23/14]
Congressman Coffman said science was not settled on climate change. In 2014 Congressman Coffman said: “On the climate change issue, I just think the science is not quite settled. Does it have an impact? Yes. […] Do I know how much of an impact it has, man-made climate change? I don’t know. But I think we need to do everything responsible to bring down carbon emissions. Sometimes, my worry is we go too far” [Denver Post, 9/23/14]
- Headline: Climate Change Issue Makes Rep. Mike Coffman’s Head Spin [Think Progress, 9/24/14]
Congressman Coffman has accepted Over $500,000 from the oil and gas industry. According the Center for Responsive Politics, Congressman Coffman has accepted $501,125 from the Oil and Gas industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 9/24/14]
Congressman Coffman voted for the Extreme House Republican Budget. In April 2014, Coffman voted for the FY 2015 House Republican budget. The budget resolution was adopted, 219-205. [H Con Res 96, Vote #177, 4/10/14]
- Republican Budget would protect $45 billion in subsidies for Big Oil. “His budget would also protect $45 billion in tax subsidies over 10 years to oil companies, the top five of which are already reaping $93 billion in profits from 2013 alone.” [Center for American Progress, 4/01/14]