Richard Shelby (R-AL) was a Republican from Alabama who served in the US Senate for 35 years, retiring at the end of 2022. During his tim in Congress he chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee. In 2017, he replaced Jeff Sessions on the Environmental and Public Works committee. Shelby spoke about his opposition to efforts to make progress in regards to climate change. He denied that global warming is an issue, while disregarding both the science of climate change and the growing number of environmental problems caused by climate change.
In 2011, Shelby voted to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating Greenhouse Gas emissions; in 2009, he voted against a national energy tax act designed to encourage sustainable energy; and in 2008 he voted against tax incentives for energy production and conservation. In 2007, Shelby said that he believed global warming could be part of a natural cycle.
In 2020, Shelby stated “…this [study on public perception of climate change] is just another attempt to increase already unnecessary funding for climate change, which by the way science hasn’t proven.” He then said, “there are politicians who already plan on using this research to support an agenda of wasting even more American tax dollars.”
When asked about his thoughts on the debate over global warming, Shelby said “Such legislation would place an undue burden on American businesses and families by greatly increasing their energy bills without producing any discernible benefit for the earth’s climate. Richard Shelby‘s seat was filled in 2023 by Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelby’s former chief-of-staff, who won election in 2022.
See Also: Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Katie Britt (R-AL)
Climate of Denial