Senator James Risch (R-ID) was elected to the United States Senate from Idaho in 2008. He serves on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and The Select Committee on Ethics.
James Risch and Climate Change
Early in his Senate career in 2010, James Risch published an editorial opposing new regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act. In the editorial, he calls new carbon dioxide regulations an attempt to “regulate virtually the entire American economy” as well as to force Congress to enact climate change legislation. Risch additionally argues that carbon dioxide is something that has always existed in our natural world, and therefore attempting to regulate it is unnecessary and would be burdensome on the community. “What is carbon dioxide? Also known as CO2, it is a part of everyday life. When the earliest human being took their first breath, CO2 was discharged. Plants absorb carbon dioxide using photosynthesis and release it when they decay. Carbon dioxide sources can be found in many activities and its regulation will now be applied to schools, hospitals, farms and ranches, to name just a few.”
In 2015, Risch voted against an Amendment to the Keystone XL Pipeline Removal Act that stated climate change is both real and is a result of human pollution in its text, solidifying his position as a climate change denier. The amendment can be read on S267 of this article of the Congressional Record.
Risch has a 7% score on his League of Conservation Scorecard, which demonstrates his true anti-environmental agenda. He is running for reelection to the Senate in 2020.
James Risch and Friends
Throughout his career, James Risch has received a total of $287,900 from big oil and gas. This industry is his second largest career contributor.
See Also
Climate of Denial