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Governor

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see National Governors Association

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idaho gop gov little not denier?!

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an 6 25

A House Oversight Committee hearing grew tense Thursday when Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) accused several Democratic governors of breaking federal law.

“You're in violation of federal law. Charges for obstruction should be brought against each one of you for doing this, I'll leave that up to the Department of Justice,” Palmer told New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who quickly pushed back: “That's 100% false.”

Palmer escalated, calling for obstruction charges against the governors. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) pushed back sharply with a point of order to chairman Jim Comer (R-Ky.) : “That was intimidation of the witness ... Raising the prospect of charges against witnesses is a form of intimidation. Is it not?”

READ MORE: ‘Changes Are Coming!’: Trump Appears Stunned to Learn Farms Rely on Undocumented Workers

Palmer then responded, “I strike those words.”

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Hochul appeared on Capitol Hill alongside Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to defend their states’ sanctuary policies before the House Oversight Committee. Republicans on the panel linked those policies to rising crime tied to undocumented immigrants, while Democrats argued the protections are more critical than ever.

One of the most pointed exchanges came between Hochul and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a longtime critic who has hinted at challenging Hochul for governor in 2026.

Stefanik used her full questioning time to go after Hochul, citing violent crimes in New York City that she blamed on the state’s sanctuary stance.

READ MORE: ‘Mouthpiece for the Kremlin’: Rubio Scorched for ‘Russia Day’ Congratulations

"You are not advocating on behalf of these victims. You are shielding illegals. Even in your opening statement, you prioritize putting illegals first," Stefanik said.

"That is not true," Hochul responded. "Rather than going after the viral moment, I suggest you look at the facts."

"No, no, no, I'm standing up for New Yorkers," Stefanik shot back.

Watch the video of the confrontation below, or byclicking this link.

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https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09012019/pennsylvania-greenhouse-gas-reduction-target-natural-gas-fracking-climate-change

In Pennsylvania, a coal-mining state where the fracking boom has also pushed natural gas production to the second highest levels in the nation, Gov. Tom Wolf is launching into his second term with a conspicuous move on climate change.

Wolf issued an executive order on Tuesday to set the state's first economy-wide targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

His goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions 26 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels mirrors the commitment the U.S. made as part of the Paris climate agreement. And his longer-term target—an 80 percent reduction by 2050—is in line with the decarbonization that scientists have said will be needed to keep global temperatures from rising 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But meeting that target is easier said than done with Republicans in control of both chambers of the legislature, as the Democratic governor pointed out.

The governor can set energy efficiency targets for state agencies, take steps to increase the number of electric cars in state fleets, and increase purchases of renewable energy, but those moves would be insufficient on their own to curb Pennsylvania's emissions.

Pennsylvania now ranks fourth in the country, behind Texas, California and Florida, in carbon emissions. Methane, a short-lived climate pollutant, is also an issue. The state is second behind Texas in natural gas production and the third-largest coal producer after Wyoming and West Virginia.

'Not Too Much, But Not Too Little'

Wolf cautioned that it was unlikely that legislative action would be forthcoming to accomplish his greenhouse gas reduction goals. He also said he did not have any regulatory actions in mind and did not want to be punitive to industry.

"What I try to make sure is that what I do is not too much, but not too little," he said. Wolf used the signing event at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh to hail a local utility, Peoples Natural Gas, for a commitment to cut its methane emissions in half, calling it a model for industry and government cooperation.

By setting the targets, Pennsylvania joins 16 other states that as part of the U.S. Climate Alliance have pledged to meet the U.S. climate commitment despite President Donald Trump's vow to exit the Paris accord.

States Stepping Up on Climate Policies

The announcement comes at a time when states are stepping up on a wide variety of fronts to counter Trump's moves to promote fossil fuels and end climate action.

On Tuesday, legislators in nine coastal statesannounced they would introduce legislation to try to block Trump's plan for a major expansion in offshore drilling.

Pennsylvania joined eight eastern states and Washington, D.C., late last year in committing to cut transportation emissions in the region by designing a new cap-and-trade system.

Pennsylvania Hasn't Joined RGGI

But Pennsylvania has been out of step with neighboring states when it comes to power plant emissions.

When New Jersey rejoins the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) later this year, Pennsylvania will be the only northeastern state led by a Democratic governor not to be a part of the market-based program to reduce utility emissions.

More than 60 Pennsylvania businesses, communities and faith groups in November petitioned Pennsylvania's Environmental Quality Board to initiate an economy-wide "cap-and-trade" program. Although the board rejected a similar petition before, the new effort relies on a 2017 state Supreme Court ruling that upheld a broad interpretation of the Environmental Rights Amendment in the state's constitution.

PUBLISHED UNDER:

NATURAL GAS AND FRACKING

GLOBAL CLIMATE TREATY

PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT

SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS

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11/18 icn

Seven Republican-led states voted for Democratic governors this week in an election that could shift the landscape for climate and clean energy policies, especially in the increasing number of states where Democrats will also dominate the legislature.

In 14 states, Democrats will have a "trifecta" of the governor's office and control of both houses of the legislatures, with Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Nevada, Maine and New York joining eight others.Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Maine and Wisconsin are all switching from Republican to Democratic governors.

That broadens the list of states where ambitious clean energy standards, carbon-reduction initiatives and other climate policies are likely more politically viable than before, environmental advocates say. It also is likely to strengthen state-level opposition to the Trump administration's moves to weaken pollution controls.

"We know that governors are the ones who make decisions on how the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act and other environmental safeguards promulgated by the EPA (federal Environmental Protection Agency) are enforced," said Kevin Curtis, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund, its political arm. "Does a coal plant stay on line, or is it replaced with clean energy? Governors have a tremendous voice in that question. Do we invest in new fossil fuel infrastructure or do we transition to clean energy? Governors have a big voice in that."

The six states that are gaining Democratic trifectas may be the first places where renewable energy agendas advance, said Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters. That happened this year in New Jersey, a trifecta state where Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has signed several clean energy-related bills and orders since taking office in January.

Republicans continue to have an edge at the state level, controlling the governor's office and both houses of the legislature in at least 21 states. The party is on track to have at least 25 governors, and it had narrow leads in two additional guberanatorial races, with results still being finalized in Georgia and a recount ordered in Florida. While some of Republican governors, like Massachusetts' Charlie Baker and Maryland's Larry Hogan, support clean energy and climate policies, many of them are opposed.

"We're not going to make progress everywhere," Karpinski said. "Unfortunately, the leadership of the Republican party is bought and sold by the fossil fuel industry, these days, so you're not going to get comprehensive solutions in some of these states."

Karpinski said that in states where GOP legislatures block action, the environmental movement will look to leadership in cities that are setting ambitious goals.

The 7 States that Flipped from GOP Governors to Democrats

Four of the seven states that switched to Democratic governors are in the Midwest, partially reversing the region's swing toward Republicans in 2014.

In Michigan, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, a former state legislator, defeated Republican Bill Schuette, the state attorney general. Whitmer had support from environmental advocates because of her criticism of Enbridge's Line 5 fossil fuel pipeline and her support for moving to 100 percent renewable energy. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder had reached the state's term limit.

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Maine}: is poised for a major change in direction on climate and clean-energy policy with the election of Democrat Janet Mills, who will replace term-limited Republican Gov. Paul LePage, an outspoken foe of wind energy who also has sought to reduce how much utilities pay to rooftop solar owners who sell power to the grid. Mills, the state attorney general, would seek to reverse LePage's actions on renewable energy, which could give new lift to Maine's stalled ambitions to develop offshore wind. She defeated Republican Shawn Moody, an auto-body business owner who had said he would carry on LePage's legacy.Wisconsin}: Democrat Tony Evers beatRepublican Gov. Scott Walker in a close race that was near the 1 percent mark that could trigger a runoff. Walker, a Republican, had made an enemy of environmental groups with an array of positions on clean air, water and clean energy (along with outraging public employees for his moves against collective bargaining). However, rapid policy changes are not likely in Wisconsin because Republicans retained control of the legislature.

Nevada could become a leader on renewable energy with the election of Democrat Steve Sisolak, who made support for solar power part of his campaign. Sisolak, chair of the county commission in the county that includes Las Vegas, defeated Adam Laxalt, the state attorney general, who had sued the Obama administration over environmental issues and had criticized Sisolak's positions on renewable energy. Sisolak will replace term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, whose tenure included a drastic reduction in support for rooftop solar that was so unpopular the policy was reversed.In Illinois, Democrat J.B. Pritzker, a venture capitalist, defeated Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Pritzker has said he wants the state to move to 100 percent renewable energy. Rauner supported some renewable energy efforts, including as part of a 2016 law that is now boosting the state's solar power, but he also supported easing pollution rules for coal-fired power plants.

In New Mexico, solar-power-friendly policies will have a better chance of passing with Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, a member of Congress, elected governor, replacing a term-limited Republican who vetoed solar incentives three times. Lujan Grisham defeatedRepublican Steve Pearce, also a member of Congress, who had strong support from the oil and gas industry.

Kansas, a leading wind energy state, elected Democrat Laura Kelly, a state legislator who has supported clean energy policies. Kelly defeated Republican Kris Kobach, the secretary of state who drew national attention for using unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud to try to make it harder for people to vote, attacked Kelly for her support of state requirements that utilities obtain at least 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources.

"For the next two years, most clean energy and climate policy action will likely continue to be at the state and local level, with last night's election results creating a host of new opportunities," said Trevor Houser, head of the energy and climate practice at Rhodium Group, an economic and policy research firm.

Colorado, Oregon Keep Governor's Offices in Democratic Hands

In Colorado and Oregon, two states where climate and clean energy issues are on the agenda, Democrats retained control of the governor's offices.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, won a second term, defeating Knute Buehler, a state legislator. She has supported plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of clean energy, a policy direction that she says she will continue.In Colorado, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a Democrat, prevailed over Republican Walker Stapleton, the state treasurer, in a race with clear contrasts on environment and energy issues. Polis has embraced a plan for 100 percent renewable energy, while Stapleton talked about developing the state's oil and gas resources. Polis replaces Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, who could not run again because of term limits.

Republicans Also Held on in Some States Democrats Hoped to Flip

Republicans had their share of wins, retaining control in states where Democrats had hoped to prevail.

In Ohio, Republican Mike DeWine, the state attorney general, defeated Democrat Richard Cordray, a former state attorney general and the first director of the Federal Consumer Protection Bureau. Cordray's loss is a blow to clean energy advocates who had hoped to see a counterweight to a Republican-controlled legislature that has been hostile to renewable energy.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, won re-election, defeating Democrat James Smith, a state legislator. Smith is a strong supporter of solar power, while McMaster stressed his own opposition to offshore oil drilling.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, won a second term, defeating Democrat Molly Kelly, a former state legislator. Sununu vetoed a bill this year that would have expanded net metering, a system for compensating rooftop solar owners. Clean energy advocates supported Kelly.

In Oklahoma, Republican Kevin Stitt, a business executive, was elected governor over Democrat Drew Edmondson, a former state attorney general. Stitt benefited from support from the oil and gas industry, one of the most influential interests in the state.

In Florida, Republican Ron DeSantis led Democrat Andrew Gillum, the mayor of Tallahassee, in a race so close it triggered a statewide recount, announced on Nov. 10. Gillum made climate change part of his campaign in a state that has been dealing with toxic algae blooms and flooding from rising seas. DeSantis, who until recently was a member of Congress, rejects climate science and has said he is "not a global warming person."

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https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27092018/election-2018-governor-races-renewable-energy-wisconsin-maine-michigan-colorado-new-mexico-nevada

Some of the most consequential elections for climate policy this fall could be the 36 governor's races, where a blue wave could position clean energy advocates as a significant counterforce against the Trump administration's fossil fuel agenda.

Republicans currently hold a near-record 33 governorships—a lock on power that has served as a brake on clean energy progress in some areas.

But the tide may be ready to turn. As many as a third of those seats are considered toss-ups or are leaning Democratic in the upcoming election, according to analysts like the Cook Political Report and University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.

Several of the Democratic contenders have 100 percent clean energy commitments in their platforms, and many others support ambitious renewable portfolio standards, net-metering incentives and other climate policies.

[map]

The model for environmental advocates is New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat elected last November who has reversed several of the policies of his Republican predecessor, Chris Christie. He reinstated New Jersey's membership in the Northeast's carbon cap-and-trade system known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and signed legislation to mandate that utilities obtain 50 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. With Murphy's first appointee, the state's Public Utility Commission now has a Democratic majority and a mandate to come up with a new program to incentivize rooftop solar.

"The most critical policies are set at the state level," said Adam Browning, executive director of Vote Solar. "When it comes to the renewable energy agenda, the future is very much on the ballot this November."

These are some of the ways state policies could change:

Advocates and opponents of climate policies and clean energy have been pouring millions of dollars into the races.

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https://www.ecowatch.com/governors-climate-circle-of-blue-2524543786.html

1/18

revolt on offshore:

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/1/11/trump_expands_offshore_drilling_in_assault

Bipartisan opposition is growing to President Trump’s proposal to greatly expand offshore oil and gas drilling. The reversal of the Obama-era restrictions would open more than a billion acres of water in the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and gas drilling. Initially the Interior Department moved to allow offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly all of the United States’ coastal waters, but then announced it has dropped plans to open up the waters off the coast of Florida, following fierce opposition by Florida’s Republican Governor Rick Scott. Scott is an ally of President Trump, and the state is also home to Trump’s winter resort at Mar-a-Lago. Now governors and lawmakers from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, California, Oregon, Washington and other states are asking why only Florida is being exempted. We speak to Subhankar Banerjee, professor of art and ecology at the University of New Mexico. Banerjee is the author of “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land” and editor of “Arctic Voices: Resistance at the Tipping Point.”

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https://www.democracynow.org/2018/1/5/headlines/trump_admin_moves_to_open_nearly_all_us_coastal_waters_to_offshore_drilling

The Trump administration has proposed allowing offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly all of the United States’ coastal waters. The reversal of the Obama-era restrictions would open more than a billion acres of water along the Eastern Seaboard and in the Arctic and allow oil companies to drill off the coast of California for the first time in decades. The proposal faces opposition from environmental groups and the governors of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington and Florida.

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https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24022017/endangered-species-act-governors-california

Nearly 300 environmental and social justice groups are calling on the nation's governors to oppose attempts to amend the Endangered Species Act, trying to head off what appears to be shaping up as a series of attacks against the landmark law.

Ina letter sent to the National Governors Association on Thursday, the organizations warned the group against endorsing any rewrite of the act during the governors' annual meeting this weekend.

"In the current political environment," the organizations wrote, "any effort to open up the law would likely weaken, if not cripple, its ability to conserve and recover our nation's most imperiled plants and animals."

The advocacy organizations said they expect an attempt this weekend by the Western Governors Association (WGA) to have the national group join its campaign for reforming the law.

The National Governors Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year, the WGAadopted a resolution calling on Congress to amend the Endangered Species Act by setting clear criteria for removing recovered species, increasing regulatory flexibility and expanding the role of state governments. The resolution also said using climate change as a factor for listing species as endangered makes it difficult to create a timeline for recovery or a management plan. It said the act "may not be equipped to address this potential global threat to species and habitat."

Republicans in Congress, led by members from Western states, have said they intend to amend or repeal the law because it does not help species recover fast enough.

The WGA's executive director, Jim Ogsbury,testified last week at a Senate hearing on "modernizing" the act, telling lawmakers that it is "premised on a strong state-federal partnership. Western Governors submit that such cooperation should involve full and authentic partnership between the states and Services with respect to species listing, critical habitat designations, establishment of recovery goals and delisting decisions."

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which held the hearing, said the act should be amended to improve recovery rates and de-listings.

But the organizations behind Thursday's letter to governors, including the Center for Biological Diversity and the Humane Society, said those arguments are specious attempts to gut the act. Their letter issues a forceful defense of the law, saying it has prevented the extinction of 99 percent of the species listed. They argue that recoveries take decades, while the law was adopted only 44 years ago. More than 700 species, or nearly half those listed, have been protected for fewer than 20 years, according to the letter.

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http://www.coloradoforethics.org/page/-/PDFs/Reports/CREW_Worst_Governors_in_America_fullreport.pdf?nocdn=1

Ringmasters

I. Nathan Deal (R-GA)………………………………………………………………………4

II. Paul LePage (R-ME)……………………………………………………………………..12

III. Robert McDonnell (R-VA)………………………………………………………………19

IV. Rick Perry (R-TX)………………………………..……………………………………...28

V. Rick Scott (R-FL)…………………………………………………..................................39

VI. Scott Walker (R-WI)……………………………………………………..........................48

Clowns

VII. Steven Beshear (D-KY)………………………………………………………………….57

VIII. Jan Brewer (R-AZ)………………………………………………………………………61

IX. Tom Corbett (R-PA)………………………………………………………......................64

X. Nikki Haley (R-SC)……………………………………………………….......................71

XI. Susana Martinez (R-NM)………..……………………………………………………….78

XII. Pat McCrory (R-NC)……………………………………………………………………..87

Sideshows

XIII. Terry Branstad (R-IA)……………………………………………………………………91

XIV. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY)…………………………………………………………………93

XV. Bill Haslam (R-TN)……………………………………………………………...............95

XVI. Bobby Jindal (R-LA)………………..………..……………………………….................97

XVII. John Kasich (R-OH)……………………………………………………………………100

XVIII. Rick Snyder (R-MI)

CREW worst

assessed the governors based on the following criteria:

Corruption: Has there been outright corruption? Did a governor violate state ethics laws or campaign finance laws, or did the governor use his or her position to influence the awarding of state contracts?

Transparency: Did a governor block access to records that state law deems discoverable? Similarly, did the governor oppose legislation to make public records more accessible or promote measures to make government less transparent? Finally, did the governor take steps to foil transparency, such as, for instance, using private e-mail accounts for public business?

Partisan politics: Did a governor appear to put partisan politics above the interests of the citizens of his or her state?

Pressuring public officials: Has a governor attempted to pressure or intimidate other state officials in an inappropriate manner?

Cronyism: Did a governor abuse his or her position to reward family, friends, or major donors with state employment or other benefits?

Self-enrichment: Did a governor use his or her position for personal financial enrichment?

Scandal: Was a governor involved in a personal scandal that clearly distracted from his or her ability to govern effectively?

Mismanagement: Did a governor fail to discharge his or her duties responsibly and in the public interest?

CREW attempted to confine research to the governors’ actions while in office or running for office. In a few cases, however, investigations into a governor’s actions before taking office raised substantial questions or have had an impact on the governors’ ability to govern, forcing exceptions.

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thinkprogress:

Although 97 percent of climate scientists agree that climate change is manmade, only two Republican gubernatorial candidates in Democratic strongholds — Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie (R-VT) and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona (R-HI) — want to address the threat. Two more candidates — Gov. Jan Brewer (R-AZ) and Meg Whitman (R-CA) — accept that global warming is a manmade problem, but oppose enacting policy to reduce fossil fuel pollution. The other eleven candidates have “artfully avoided” any discussion of the threat global warming poses to their states, from flood-ravaged Iowa and Tennessee to drought-parched Nevada.

Without further ado, meet the twenty-two climate zombies running for governor:

ALABAMA – Robert Dudley

ALASKA – Sean Parnell

CONNECTICUT – Tom Foley

:{FLORIDA – Rick Scott

GEORGIA – Nathan Deal}:

ILLINOIS – Bill Brady

KANSAS – Sam Brownback

MINNESOTA – Tom Emmer

MAINE – Paul LePage

MARYLAND – Robert Ehrlich

MASSACHUSETTS – Charlie Baker

NEW YORK – Carl Paladino

NEW MEXICO – Susana Martinez

:{OHIO – John Kasich

OKLAHOMA – Mary Fallin}:

OREGON – Chris Dudley

RHODE ISLAND – Joseph Robitaille

SOUTH DAKOTA – Dennis Daugaard

TEXAS – Rick Perry

UTAH – Gary Herbert

WISCONSIN – Scott Walker

WYOMING – Matt Mead

brad 2010

oct http://thinkprogress.org/report/gop-governor-deniers/

In Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, Kansas, Florida, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, Republican global warming deniers and conspiracy theorists are vying to take over the governorships, armed with plans to cripple the nation’s clean energy economy.

In Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, four Democratic governors who have supported clean energy may be replaced by Republicans who have expressed fealty to big oil in the November 2010 elections. The Republican candidates — Terry Branstad in Iowa, Sen. Sam Brownback in Kansas, Rep. Mary Fallin in Oklahoma, and Matt Mead in Wyoming — hold commanding leads in the polls over their Democratic opponents. The Republicans mock global warming as a conspiracy, doubt that it is caused by manmade pollution, and promote the expansion of the coal and oil industries in their states.

The Wonk Room has not been able to discern if the Republican candidates Tom Corbett (PA), Terry Branstad (IA), Bill Haslam (TN), Rick Snyder (MI), Nikki Haley (SC), Jim Keet (AR), Butch Otter (ID), Dave Heineman, (NE), Brian Sandoval (NV), John Stephen (NH) Joseph Robitaille (NH) have taken an explicit position on the science of climate change.

Vermont Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and Hawaii Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona stand alone in their recognition of the threat of global warming and their embrace of a strong clean energy response.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the carbon trading program of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, which went into effect in 2008. In 2006, Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA) dropped his state out of the compact just before beginning his presidential campaign, but his Democratic successor Deval Patrick rejoined. There are governors’ races in all these states except New Jersey and Delaware.

The Western Climate Initiative — a regional cap-and-trade compact between California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Montana and four Canadian provinces — was established in 2007 and scheduled to go into effect in 2012. There are governors’ races in all the states except Montana and Washington. Republican governors in Arizona and Utah — who are cruising to re-election this fall — have already worked to scuttle their involvement. California’s contribution, the legislation known as AB 32, is under threat both from the Proposition 23 ballot initiative and from Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman. The future of the compact rides on the governors’ races this November in California, New Mexico, and Oregon.

America is under extreme threat from the destructive power of global warming, including increasingly frequent catastrophic storms, heat waves, and drought, but these candidates question the very existence of the problem. Furthermore, by denying the opportunity of clean energy jobs, these potential governors risk turning their states into economic wastelands.

ALABAMA – Robert Bentley

ALASKA – Sean Parnell

ARIZONA – Jan Brewer

CALIFORNIA – Meg Whitman

CONNECTICUT – Tom Foley

FLORIDA – Rick Scott

HAWAII – Duke Aiona

ILLINOIS – Bill Brady

IOWA – Terry Branstad

KANSAS – Sam Brownback

MINNESOTA – Tom Emmer

MAINE – Paul LePage

MARYLAND – Robert Ehrlich

MASSACHUSETTS – Charlie Baker

NEVADA – Brian Sandoval

NEW HAMPSHIRE – John Stephen

NEW YORK – Carl Paladino

NEW MEXICO – Susana Martinez

OHIO – John Kasich

OKLAHOMA – Mary Fallin

OREGON – Chris Dudley

RHODE ISLAND – Joseph Robitaille

SOUTH DAKOTA – Dennis Daugaard

UTAH – Gary Herbert

VERMONT – Brian Dubie

WISCONSIN – Scott Walker

WYOMING – Matt Mead

ALABAMA

Dr. Robert Bentley is a cautious global warming denier:

Bentley mentioned a favorite fact of global warming skeptics, that temperatures dipped after a peak in 1998. However, average temperatures over time have risen. According to NASA, January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. After introducing that note of skepticism, Bentley continued. “But I know you look long-term. Now, carbon emissions, I do think, probably play a role in climate changes. I do scientifically agree with that and I do think we have to look for ways to reduce carbon emissions.” [Birmingham News, 10/17/10]

His Democratic opponent, Ron Sparks, also questions climate science. “You still have the debate on whether we have the problem of global warming or you don’t,” Sparks said. “You still have scientists on both sides. Some say we do and some say we don’t.”

ALASKA

Gov. Sean Parnell, who wants to rapidly expand oil drilling in Alaska, denies that global warming is threatening the extinction of polar bears:

This ice by nature shifts and melts . . . Years ago, environmental advocacy groups picked one species — the polar bear — to be the poster child for global warming, and these groups have waged a relentless publicity campaign ever since. Alaskans recognize the lock-up effort for what it is: a job-killer and damper on our nation’s energy security. [Washington Post, 8/5/10]

In contrast, Democrat Ethan Berkowitz is a firm realist. “Even President Bush agrees with the IPCC that humans play a large role in global warming. The policy challenge isn’t how much we’re responsible for global warming, but rather what we’re going to do about it, and what legacy we leave future generations. Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing Alaskans. For us, the impacts are real and personal — they affect our health, our livelihoods and our cultures.”

ARIZONA

538 forecast: 4 percent Democratic pickup

Jan Brewer, who assumed the governorship when Democrat Janet Napolitano was chosen as Secreatary of Health and Human Services, officially recognizes the threat of global warming pollution but has pulled Arizona out of any effort to cap its pollution. In her executive order in February 2010 that announced Arizona would not participate in the Western Climate Initiative’s regional cap-and-trade program, Brewer admitted:

Arizona is a growing state whose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been projected to rise, based on historical trends, as Arizona will experience population and economic growth in the future. [Executive Order 2010-06, 2/2/10]

The executive order also ordered the state to “review its adoption of the California Clean Cars Program, in light of national vehicle standards coming into place.” However, Brewer still wants the state to participate in the regional compact to “have a seat at the table” on climate issues.

Brewer promotes the state’s 15 percent-by-2025 renewable standard, and supports “adding more nuclear power to Arizona’s energy supply.”

Brewer’s opponent, Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard, is much more concerned about the threat global warming poses to Arizona. Responding to the Supreme Court’s decision compelling the EPA to act on global warming pollution and the 2007 IPPC climate report, Goddard wrote that “it is abundantly clear that if more steps are not taken soon to respond to global climate change, Arizona will be among the places paying the biggest price.” In 2009, Goddard defended “the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to grant states the right to regulate global warming pollution from automobiles.”

CALIFORNIA

77 percent Democratic pickup

The Calfornia governor’s races is pivotal for America’s clean energy future. California is already the national leader in greenhouse pollution standards for cars and trucks — its fuel economy standards have been adopted by states across the nation and were the basis of the Supreme Court decision that the EPA must regulate greenhouse gases as a pollutant. Billionaire Republican candidate Meg Whitman says she accepts the science of climate change:

I think the science is fairly compelling behind global warming. Nothing is iron-clad in science, but as I look at the data, it does look to me that the earth is warming. It started largely around the Industrial Revolution and it has gone pretty dramatically up over the last 110, 120 years. And you look at some of the obvious statistics around the size of the polar ice caps and things, it does look to me like the earth is warming. I would also make the conclusion that actually man does have a hand in this [FlashReport, 10/5/09].

However, Whitman has vowed to stop the implementation of California’s landmark green economy legislation, AB 32:

“Right now, the clock is ticking as new job-killing regulations will go into effect in 2010.”

In contrast, Whitman’s opponent, Attorney General Jerry Brown, has long been a champion of AB 32. In 2007, he called the legislation a “no-brainer“:

You’ve got your road map, you have your threat, and you have the carrot of all the good things that you will achieve and all the bad things you will avoid. So, to summarize, this is a no-brainer. Let’s get working, and let’s reduce oil dependency and fight global climate change.

Out-of-state oil companies — Valero, Tesoro, and Koch Industries — are pouring millions into the Proposition 23 campaign to indefinitely suspend AB 32, supported by the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity tea party network. Their efforts seems to be backfiring, as California’s clean-energy businesses and investors have combined forces with environmentalists and progressives to fight back.

CONNECTICUT

83 percent Democratic pickup

Under Governor Jodi Rell (R-CT), Connecticut established a comprehensive plan for reducing greenhouse pollution in 2005. Connecticut’s renewable electricity standard was first established in 1998.

Republican candidate Tom Foley is in denial about the impacts of global warming:

Until you know what the problems are, and you’re in a reasonable time frame of their arrival, then there’s not much you could do. Until we actually experience the impact, then I’m sure there will be plenty of time to respond. [Connecticut Mirror, 10/13/10]

Foley also questioned whether Connecticut’s greenhouse gas reduction goals of 20 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 are “realistic,” though he “will certainly try to move us along a course that will get us to those goals.” Foley’s energy and environmental policy is a single paragraph of platitudes.

In contrast, Democratic Stamford mayor Dan Malloy has been a national leader in climate-friendly urban policy, and has a comprehensive environment, global warming, energy efficiency, and clean energy jobs agenda. “This is something I am ultimately committed to,” he told the Mirror.

FLORIDA

538 estimate: 43 percent chance of Democratic pickup

Florida is under imminent threat from the rising sea levels, fiercer heat waves, and stronger storms of global warming. Clean energy investment and energy-efficiency retrofits could restore hundreds of thousands of jobs to the economically battered state. However, millionaire health care executive Rick Scott, the Republican candidate for Florida governor, is a global warming denier:

Asked if he believes in climate change, he said “No.” “I have not been convinced,” he said. Asked what he needs to convince him, “Something more convincing than what I’ve read.” [St. Petersburg Times, 7/26/10]

Despite the lingering BP disaster, Scott is open to oil drilling off the coast of Florida. Scott’s campaign attacked his Democratic opponent Alex Sink’s advocacy of renewable energy standards as “leftist energy proposals,” promoting nuclear power instead. Florida’s renewable-industry advocates responded: “Rick Scott needs to say something of substance or stop attacking small business people.”

Scott is a signatory of the Americans for Prosperity “No Climate Tax” pledge and the FreedomWorks Contract From America, and was endorsed by the FreedomWorks PAC.

GEORGIA

Former Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) is a global warming conspiracy theorist, filing a “Climategate” petition against the EPA finding that greenhouse pollution endangers the public health and welfare:

First, Climategate reveals a serious lack of integrity in the underlying data and models, such that it is doubtful that any process can be trusted until the data and models are validated and their integrity assured. Second, Climategate shows that the processes of peer review, consensus building, and scientific evaluation were fundamentally corrupted to the point that EPA should reconsider its reliance on the reports and analyses that led to the Endangerment Finding. Third, Climategate reveals a disturbing, anti-scientific compulsion for mandatory orthodoxy. [Petition for Reconsideration, 12/23/09]

Deal also calls Democrat Roy Barnes’ proposed renewable electricity standard “cap-and-trade for Georgia” and “just another liberal, job-killing mandate.”

HAWAII

The island state of Hawaii is profoundly threatened by the global warming and ocean acidification caused by fossil fuel pollution. Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona has “set a bold and ambitious goal for Hawaii to cut its consumption of foreign oil in half within eight years”:

Cut in half Hawai’i's polluting greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. [Aiona-Finnegan Campaign]

“The time for a long-term statewide plan for the effects of climate change is now,” says Democratic candidate Neil Abercrombie, who supports increased funding for clean energy programs.

ILLINOIS

79 percent Republican pickup

As governor, Democrat Pat Quinn promoted numerous green jobs initiatives, including the strengthening of the state’s renewable energy standard. “Having a robust green industry is critical to strengthening Illinois’ economy,” he said this July.

His opponent, Republican state senator Bill Brady, is a global warming denier. At a Homer Glen Tea Party rally in 2009, Brady joined other Republicans in denying the science of global warming:

No, I don’t accept that premise, and it is wrong. Illinois needs to foster job creation, not penalize it. [Progress Illinois, 11/5/09]

Watch it:

Brady voted against the renewable energy standard, high-speed rail, and other clean-energy initiatives.

IOWA

Terry BranstadFormer governor Terry Branstad is leading Gov. Chet Culver (D-IA) in the race to run Iowa’s government. Remarkably, even though Iowa is increasingly devastated by catastrophic floods, Branstad’s only public policy position on global warming pollution is:

– To “wholeheartedly” support a coal-fired power plant opposed by NASA scientist Jim Hansen because it would emit 5.9 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, and

– To support the construction of a South Dakota oil refinery near the Iowa border that will emit 19 million tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Furthermore, Branstad has attacked Culver’s $875 million flood recovery plan, falsely claiming “it saddled Iowans with excessive debt.”

KANSAS

Sam BrownbackSen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) is positioned to take the seat formerly held by climate champion Kathleen Sibelius. Under Gov. Sibelius, Kansas fought against coal pollution. Her successor Mark Parkinson established a renewable electricity standard but permitted a coal plant expansion.

Although Brownback said in 2007 that “we need to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere,” he has since embraced radical conspiracy theories about climate science. Last December, he embraced the Climategate smear campaign:

The recent disclosure of the manipulation of scientific evidence by climate researchers is exactly the kind of important information that needs to be brought to light. The emails and documents recently disclosed paint an alarming picture of the state of climate research. In the emails that have been disclosed we’ve seen evidence of manipulation, efforts to avoid freedom of act information requests, abuse of the peer review process and a research process that that is driven more by a political agenda than a quest for truth. [Brownback, DeMint, Ensign, Isakson, Vitter, and Wicker, 12/8/09]

Although Brownback is a supporter of a federal renewable electricity standard, he called Obama’s climate plan “one of the worst ideas to come along in a long time,” and his gubernatorial campaign is heavily supported by Kansas-based Koch Industries, the right-wing pollution conglomerate that directs right-wing global warming denial. Over his career, Brownback has received about $200,000 from the Koch brothers in campaign contributions.

Unlike Brownback, Democratic candidate Tom Holland is “not questioning the science. We need to take this subject seriously.”

MAINE: Libby Mitchell (D), Paul LePage (R), Eliot Cutler (I)

75 percent Republican pickup

Under Democratic governor John Baldacci, Maine is on track to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse pollution to 1990 levels this year. In 2006, Maine strengthened its renewable electricity standard to 40 perecent by 2017.

Waterville mayor Paul LePage, the Republican nominee, is a global warming denier:

I just don’t know how severe it is and I’m not sure how much we as human beings contribute to it. Scientists are divided on it. [Waterville Morning Sentinel, 10/5/10]

LePage also opposes Maine’s renewable energy goals, arguing wind power is too unreliable, and is open to opening Maine’s waters to offshore oil drilling.

MARYLAND: Martin O’Malley v. Robert Ehrlich

11 percent Republican pickup

In a battle of the governors, the Democratic incumbent Gov. Martin O’Malley is squaring off against former governor Robert Ehrlich, the Republican. After Ehrlich attempted to pull out of RGGI, he was compelled to sign a veto-proof bill in 2006 entering Maryland into the RGGI compact. In an extensive interview on environmental issues facing Maryland with the Baltimore Sun, Ehrlich came out as a newly infected global warming conspiracy theorist:

“The skeptical side of me has increased,” Ehrlich says, since news reports last year alleging that scientists manipulated data showing that the climate is changing. [Baltimore Sun, 10/11/10]

In contrast, O’Malley is a powerful leader on climate change, passing into law legislation to cut the state’s carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020:

For our prosperity, for our current and future generations, and for the health of our State, which is so vulnerable to rising sea levels, we must take action on climate change now – not later. Maryland can’t afford to be left behind. We must commit to taking the actions necessary to protect our environment, our economy, and our citizens.

Although Ehrlich’s campaign website praises the state’s renewable electricity standard for creating a “skilled workforce of clean energy employees,” he now “questions the technical feasibility of getting 20 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources.” Ehrlich instead promotes building new nuclear power plants with taxpayer support.

Unlike Ehrlich, O’Malley stands behind the state’s renewable electricity standard.

MASSACHUSETTS

25 percent Republican pickup

Millionaire health insurance executive Charlie Baker, the Republican challenger to incumbent governor Deval Patrick, has staked out skeptical positions both on the science of climate change and on green economic policies. When asked to address the existence of man-made global warming in February, Baker refused to admit its reality:

I’m not saying I believe in it. I’m not saying I don’t. You’re asking me to take a position on something I don’t know enough about. I absolutely am not smart enough to believe that I know the answer to that question. [Boston Globe, 2/7/10]

By August, Baker conceded that man-made pollution is “partially” to blame. Baker has also indicated his willingness to pull out of RGGI:

I’m willing to participate as long as it doesn’t cost Massachusetts jobs and money. I don’t know if I’m against it or not. I view that as something that needs to be reviewed. [Boston Globe, 8/31/10]

Baker has also bashed Patrick’s support for cleantech investment, and opposes the Cape Wind project. Independent candidate Tim Cahill shares Baker’s views on global warming and clean energy policy.

MINNESOTA

76 percent Democratic pickup

Minnesota has been a climate leader under Republican governor Tim Pawlenty, before he had national ambitions. In 2007, Pawlenty helped launch the Midwest Governor’s Climate Change regional cap-and-trade initiative and signed a strong renewable energy standard. As a McCain surrogate in 2008, Pawlenty began questioning climate science and policy. By 2009, Pawlenty was deriding a national cap-and-trade program as “very burdensome on our economy” and saying that he did not know how much global warming “is the result of natural causes.”

The Republican hoping to follow Pawlenty, Tom Emmer, seeks to end the regional climate pact, calling it “an artificial tracking system that will be used to raise our energy rates.” Emmer is a radical global warming denier, calling the science “Al Gore’s climate porn” in 2007:

Biodiversity, diversity to me means you’ve got to look at both sides. You know what, the empirical evidence does not support this and the other reps that have talked. There is another side. Just because we make these chambers available to Will Steger and the crowd that wants to rely on Al Gore’s climate porn doesn’t mean that that’s the way it is. There is another side to the story, one that we tried to present a couple of months ago, but apparently it’s frowned upon by the folks that are in control so it doesn’t get the same play in this room. Folks, there is another side. [YouTube, 5/11/07]

Watch it:

Until recently, Emmer’s campaign website included a rant against “radical activists” who believe “cows are causing ‘global warming’“:

Radical activists are trying to convince us that everyday nutrients are causing cancer, that cows are causing ‘global warming,’ and that hogs are getting people sick. Logical people know otherwise.

In contrast, front-runner Mark Dayton is a promoter of “incentives that will bring green energy industries to Minnesota.”

NEVADA

Even as Lake Mead hits historic lows due to a ten-year drought, Republican Brian Sandoval, the frontrunner, opposes California’s climate policy:

Between solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and other clean energy sources, Nevada has some unique and valuable natural resources. We need to attract those kinds of businesses here. But I would oppose any mandates that are generally harmful to the business environment. [Nevada News Bureau, 10/19/10]

He does, however, “strongly support the Legislature’s recent action calling for 25 percent of the power generated in this state by the year 2025 to be from a renewable resource.”

NEW HAMPSHIRE

5 percent Republican pickup

Republican John Stephen’s candidacy is supported by Koch’s Americans for Prosperity, who have been running attack ads against incumbent Democratic governor John Lynch. Lynch, who signed the Renewable Energy Act in 2007 to get New Hampshire to 25 percent renewable electricity by 2025 and HB 1314 in 2008 to implement RGGI, is strongly favored to win.

NEW MEXICO

88 percent Republican pickup

In 2007, Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) strengthened the state renewable energy standard and signed an agreement with six other states — California, Utah, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Montana — and four Canadian provinces — to form the Western Climate Initiative, a regional cap-and-trade system to go into effect by 2012. However, the future of the initiative is in peril, no matter which candidate wins.

Susana Martinez, the Sarah Palin-endorsed nominee for New Mexico governor, questions the overwhelming scientific consensus that burning fossil fuels is warming the planet. “I’m not sure the science completely supports that,” she recently told Politico. Responding to the New Mexico Independent, she revealed that she thinks the science of climate change is an “ideological debate“:

While there is disagreement in the science community concerning the causes of global warming, there is little disagreement concerning our responsibility to take care of the environment while creating jobs in New Mexico. Politicians engaging in an ideological debate over the causes of global warming does nothing to protect the environment, or create jobs. As governor, I will support balanced and evidenced-based environmental protections. [New Mexico Independent, 8/19/10]

Martinez also strongly opposes the Western Climate Initiative, saying it “would impose a new energy tax on businesses and families in New Mexico,” making the state “anti-business.”

Although Lt. Gov Diane Denish is “proud that New Mexico is a national leader in the battle against climate change,” she also strongly opposes a “New Mexico-specific cap-and-trade plan,” saying “new regulation would put New Mexico at an economic disadvantage and put countless jobs in our state at risk.” Unlike Martinez, however, Denish has a comprehensive economic plan for promoting clean energy investment.

NEW YORK

Zero percent Republican pickup

Republican candidate Carl Paladino is a raging global warming denier:

Since then, Mr. Paladino, with the help of the Republican consultant Roger J. Stone Jr., has fashioned a campaign around anger (“I’m mad as hell,” his slogan reads), far-right conservatism (he calls global warming a “farce”) and reform in Albany (he frequently talks of “cleaning out the dirty trash”). [New York Times, 8/31/10]

Paladino also wants to immediately greenlight the fracking of New York’s Marcellus Shale deposit, mocking concerns about the hazards of drilling by saying “we’ve studied this to death.” Other than promising to rescind “onerous” environmental rules, this appears to be his entire energy policy.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) has been a climate leader, calling on the SEC to issue climate risk disclosure rules, and compelling energy companies to begin disclosing their exposure. “I believe global warming and climate change are real threats to our planet,” Cuomo has said.

OHIO

83 percent Republican pickup

John Kasich, a former Ohio congressman and Fox News personality, has repeatedly challenged the science and policy of global warming on right-wing television network:

Environmental extremists, they better not make the environment god. They got a hang-up in that way just as well. A little bit of balance here. [O'Reilly Factor, 5/28/04]

As you know, global warming is cyclical, and the focus of a ferocious debate, almost as ferocious as a T. Rex. [O'Reilly Factor, 7/3/08]

Save me from a cap and trade bill that’s going to put a dagger in the Midwest and is basically one politician against slapping another on the back. [Sean Hannity, 7/8/09]

As a congressman, Kasich voted against implementing greenhouse pollution policy. During the gubernatorial campaign, Kasich has threatened to kill Ohio’s renewable energy standard. “It will drive up utility bills because we don’t have it ready and have to buy it somewhere else,” he claimed. “I don’t like that and you can’t mandate invention.”

Gov. Ted Strickland accused Kasich of being “ill-informed” and “reckless” for opposing the renewable standard. “New-energy jobs are the wave of the future and creating a new energy standard not only means a better environment for future Ohioans, it means that growing advanced energy companies, such as the ones standing with me, are locating and growing right here in Ohio.” Strickland said.

News Corp billionaire Rupert Murdoch gave $1 million to the Republican Governors Association because of his “friendship with John Kasich.”

OKLAHOMA

100 percent Republican pickup

Mary FallinRep. Mary Fallin (R-OK) has a dominant lead over Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins. Fallin has mocked the national security threat of climate change:

Protecting our nation should be a number one priority. Does leadership really think that our surveillance satellites should be aimed at polar ice caps and not terror cells, and that spies should be investigating global warming? Congress must adequately fund our intelligence operations. If we don’t, we may need to be more concerned about global warming in the U.S. caused by a nuclear attack in our own back yard. [Rep. Fallin, 5/9/07]

Fallin has called climate legislation “entirely unnecessary.” Fallin signed the Americans for Prosperity No Climate Tax pledge and has been endorsed by global warming deniers Sarah Palin and Sen. Jim Inhofe. She received $5000 from Koch Industries in campaign contributions.

Democratic Gov. Brad Henry signed a renewable energy standard that also promotes natural gas this year. Fallin’s position: “My goal as governor would be to stimulate the oil and gas industry in the state and support the Legislature for incentives for oil and gas production.”

OREGON

44 percent Republican pickup

Oregon has a strong 25-by-25 renewable energy standard, signed in 2007 by Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D-OR). In 2009, Kulongoski “signed several climate change, renewable energy, and energy efficiency bills that expand emission performance standards and greenhouse gas reporting requirements, promote renewable energy, and mandate greater energy efficiency.”

Republican candidate Chris Dudley just wants to ignore global warming pollution. “Climate change is probably caused by a variety of factors,” Dudley said in a September interview with the Oregonian, “but that debate is beside the point.” In a gubernatorial debate on September 30, Dudley finally came out as a cautious global warming denier:

My thought on global warming is this: that global warming exists, man contributes to it, how much, I don’t know. I don’t know how much is man made and how much is natural. [Oregonian, 9/30/10]

Watch it:

Toeing the party line, Dudley opposes the Western Climate Initiative, attacking “state or regional ‘cap-tax-trade‘ systems which would increase the cost of energy for consumers, make Oregon less economically competitive and do damage to the economy and job creation.” He even bashed a weatherization initiative as a boondoggle.

In contrast, former Democratic governor John Kitzhaber is clear: “I do believe climate change is human-caused, and it poses an enormous threat to our country and to our nation.” While Dudley has been silent, Kitzhaber has issued a strategic roadmap for green economic empowerment in Oregon.

RHODE ISLAND

56% Democratic pickup, 35% Independent pickup

The Rhode Island gubernatorial race is a toss-up between Democratic state treasurer Frank Caprio and independent (and former Republican U.S. senator) Lincoln Chafee, with Republican candidate Joseph Robitaille a distant third. Robitaille “artfully avoided putting forward his position on climate science” during a recent debate on environmental issues. In contrast, Caprio “spoke about the need for state-level incentives for clean energy development” and Chafee called for more funding for and enforcement by the Department of Environmental Management.

As treasurer, Caprio has been a climate leader, calling on the SEC to issue climate risk disclosure rules. Like Caprio, Chafee has a strong record on the environment, clean energy, and fighting global warming pollution. Caprio has a comprehensive clean energy plan that includes strengthening the state’s renewable energy standard.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard is a global warming denier:

I am skeptical about the science that suggests global warming is man-caused or can be corrected by man-made efforts. It’s a complex world we live in. [Yankton Press & Dakotan, 9/7/10]

Daugaard also opposes renewable electricity standards, saying “other states have problems with increased utility rates because they mandated the use of wind energy.”

“We can stick our heads in the sand and pretend like the world isn’t out there, but it is,” Democrat Scott Heidepriem told Daugaard in the debate about global warming. “I think the evidence is significant. We ignore that evidence at our own peril.”

TEXAS

Gov. Rick Perry is a radical global warming denier and conspiracy theorist:

I’ve heard Al Gore talk about man-made global warming so much that I’m starting to think that his mouth is the leading source of all that supposedly deadly carbon dioxide. Virtually every day another scientist leaves the global warming bandwagon. But you won’t read about that in the press because they have already invested in one side of the story. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be good stewards of our environment. We should. I am just saying when politics hijack science, it quells true scientific debate and can have dire consequences for our future. [Rick Perry, 9/7/07]

Perry has sued the federal government to block the regulation of global warming pollution, citing the supposed “Climategate” conspiracy.

Democrat Bill White accepts the science: “”I do think there is scientific consensus that human activity does pose a significant risk of more active climate change. There is a risk posed by escalating levels of CO2.” However, he also strongly opposes cap-and-trade legislation.

UTAH

Zero percent Democratic pickup

Republican Gary Herbert is a global warming denier:

I’ve heard people argue on both sides of the issue, people I have a high regard for. People say man’s impact is minimal, if at all, so it appears to me the science is not necessarily conclusive. [Deseret News, 6/16/09]

Herbert became governor when Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., was named ambassador to China in 2009. A 10-year state energy plan laid out by Herbert in June “opens the door to nuclear power but does not set mandates or specific targets regarding clean energy.”

The Utah state House of Representatives has passed resolutions calling climate science a “conspiracy” and demanding that Herbert pull out of the Western Climate Initiative.

Salt Lake City mayor Peter Corroon’s plans for “more solar, wind and geothermal jobs” include “rewarding Utah companies for using renewable energy resources, possibly through a tax credit, and returning to Huntsman’s goal of requiring 25 percent of electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2025.”

VERMONT

72 percent Democratic pickup

Befitting its nickname, Vermont is one of the greenest states in the nation. In 2005, Gov. Jim Douglas (R-VT) joined RGGI and enacted a renewable energy standard. However, in 2007, Douglas vetoed H.520, “a comprehensive climate-change bill that would have greatly expanded” the state’s efficiency program to cover all fuels, not just electricity.

Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie (R-VT), after avoiding a stand on climate science for years, recognized the reality this June:

I believe that scientific data clearly show that climate change is real and, as a result of human behavior, the world is getting warmer. Carbon emissions are playing a large role in the warming of our planet. We have to stop burning fossil fuels, which emit carbon into our environment. [Vermont League of Conservation Voters, 6/18/10]

“We need a governor who believes that climate change is real every year, not just in an election year,” charged state Sen. Peter Shumlin (D-VT), the frontrunner in the race. “Governors should be right the first time. I worked hard to pass what Al Gore called the ‘toughest climate-change bill in the nation,’ only to have the Douglas-Dubie administration veto it.”

WISCONSIN

88 percent Republican pickup

Milwaukee county executive Scott Walker, the Republican candidate for governor, is a global warming conspiracy theorist:

Governor Doyle has put his trust in international politicians, bureaucrats, celebrities and discredited scientists to replace the real manufacturing jobs Wisconsin is losing every day. [Scott Walker, 12/10/09]

In 2009, Democratic governor Jim Doyle introduced comprehensive global warming legislation that included a strong renewable energy standard of 25 percent by 2025. Walker viciously the bill as “global warming legislation that would mandate billions of dollars in new spending to produce the exact same energy we use today,” claiming “Wisconsin families will pay a steep price for these costly new regulations in higher utility bills and the projected 43,000 jobs that will be lost if this bill passes.”

Citing Tom Barrett’s support for the Kyoto Protocol and the US Conference of Mayors environmental agreement, Walker claimed Barrett has a record of promoting “radical environmental policies that kill jobs.”

Walker has received $15,000 from Koch Industries and signed the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity No Climate Tax pledge.

WYOMING

Matt MeadIn Wyoming, Republican millionaire Matt Mead holds a commanding lead over Leslie Petersen to replace Democratic governor Dave Freudenthal. Mead is a proud global warming denier:

I am unconvinced that climate change is man-made, but I do recognize we may face challenges presented by those who propose and believe they can change our climate by law with ill-thought-out policy like cap and trade (the latest version of which is the Senate Climate Bill, S. 1733, unveiled May 12th). [Mead for Governor]

“We have been very blessed for many, many years to have the energy industry here in Wyoming,” Mead said in June at an energy policy debate. As a U.S. Attorney under George W. Bush, Mead defended Koch Industries in a lawsuit that alleged massive natural gas royalties fraud by the company.

Petersen, by contrast, says Wyoming will have to do something about global warming “whether we believe it or not.”

http://www.citizensforethics.org/worst-governors-in-america  ethics

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The 10 Worst GOP Governors: What Horrors Did They Unleash in 2012?

By Sarah Jaffe, AlterNet

Posted on June 9, 2012, Printed on June 16, 2012

http://www.alternet.org/story/155780/the_10_worst_gop_governors%3A_what_horrors_did_they_unleash_in_2012

Across the country, Republican governors, many of them elected in the Tea Party wave of 2010, have undermined women's health, crushed workers' right to negotiate collectively, made it tougher to vote and imposed ideologically informed slash-and-burn policies on their populations, often with little attention from the mainstream media. Last summer, we reported on 10 of the worst GOP governors and what they were up to. Where are they now? Culling voter rolls, beating up on unions, trying to sneakily ban abortion—but also, in some cases, having their power checked by a determined opposition and being forced to concede some defeats. And in a couple of cases, they're under investigation. Here's our 2012 list of the worst GOP governors.

10. Tom Corbett, Pennsylvania

Corbett didn't make our list last time around, but this year, the Pennsylvania governor has made up for lost time. His attacks on public education alone make him worthy of our Hall of Shame, but coupled with a massive tax break for Shell Oil--$1.7 billion in subsidies for the oil giant—his comments about taking responsibility for future generations ring awfully hollow.

"The governor's proposal violates his own belief that the free market, and not government, should pick winners and losers," George Jugovic Jr., president of PennFuture, told The Morning Call. "Let's be clear. By choosing to offer Shell a $1.7 billion tax break while proposing to cut nearly $900 million to public education, the governor is choosing winners and losers, and he has cast his lot with choosing to further help a multibillion-dollar corporation over the education of future generations of Pennsylvanians.”

Philadelphia's school district is in mortal danger due in part to Corbett's cuts—nearly $300 million from the city, which now faces a deficit of $218 million for the coming year, and plans to shutter 64 schools and privatize more. And if that wasn't enough, Corbett has backed a bill that would bail out the state's employers for their unpaid unemployment premiums, while cutting benefits for thousands of out-of-work Pennsylvanians.

9. Nikki Haley, South Carolina

Fresh from campaigning in Wisconsin for her fellow union-buster Scott Walker, Nikki Haley is headed home, triumphant—to an ethics investigation.

Corey Hutchins at the Columbia Free Times writes:

Subpoenas could be fluttering all over Columbia this week as an ethics panel investigating whether Gov. Nikki Haley illegally lobbied as a lawmaker decides who to call as witnesses in the case.

On May 30, the House Ethics Committee voted unanimously to reopen an investigation into the governor. The six-member panel had previously voted that there was probable cause to investigate, but then immediately dismissed the charges. After further consideration, and new information from GOP activist John Rainey, who filed the complaint, they’re giving it a deeper look.

She's also been rebuked by her state's Supreme Court chief justice over a plan, approved by her appointees at the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, to dredge the Savannah River to make it bigger for bigger ships. “You disobeyed the law when you did not involve the Savannah River Maritime Commission in the settlement of this matter,” Chief Justice Jean Toal told Haley's appointees. (The decision to approve the dredging came shortly after Haley attended a fundraiser at an Atlanta law firm with ties to the project; she denies the connection.)

8. Jan Brewer, Arizona

Jan Brewer made her name attacking immigrants, but she's got plenty of other moves under her belt. In recent months, she cheerfully signed a bill cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood, and topped that off with possibly the worst anti-abortion bill in the country. Opponents call it the “Life Begins at Menstruation” bill because it bans abortions after 20 weeks, but claims that those 20 weeks start at the woman's last menstrual period.

Brewer also joined the club of GOP governors who like kicking around public employees. She moved to offer public workers their first raise in years—but only if they agreed to trade in all their job security and let her fire them on a whim. She also signed a bill expanding school vouchers for Arizona students, giving public funds to parents to pay for private schools.

In a bit of good news, a judge did reject Brewer's bid to dismiss legal challenges to the state's infamous anti-immigrant law.

Oh, and she wants a third term.

7. Paul LePage, Maine

"To all you able-bodied people out there: Get off the couch and get yourself a job," Maine Governor Paul LePage told the Republican State Convention in May.

The governor wants to impose his own form of welfare “reform” on the state in the middle of an ongoing jobs crisis—and he's even willing to make up stories and fudge numbers to get his way. And what does he consider “welfare”? Everything from disability benefits to MaineCare (the state's version of Medicaid -- healthcare for low-income people). His Medicaid cuts alone could hit 65,000 people.

How LePage can complain that Maine has more people receiving benefits than paying taxes, and then say he wants to eliminate the personal income tax is a bit of a mystery, but he doesn't seem to see the conflict. Maine collects over half of its total revenue from the personal income tax—but LePage wants to lower tax rates on the top earners. Next year the rate will fall from 8.5 percent to 7.95, and the governor wanted to drop it to 4 percent but couldn't get away with that and keep the state functioning.

6. Chris Christie, New Jersey

Chris Christie likes to bluster and swagger – it's sort of his calling card. He's frequently caught saying awful things—like a comment he made this winter on a marriage equality referendum. Christie said, “The fact of the matter is, I think people would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South.”

But what's he really up to? Well, he's getting sued, for one thing, for unilaterally pulling New Jersey out of a 10-state initiative aimed at curbing air pollution from power plants. The Natural Resources Defense Council and Environment New Jersey filed a lawsuit, claiming the move violates a state law that required Christie to notify the public of his intent to pull out and allow for a public comment period.

He's also pushing more tax cuts, including $1.57 billion in business tax breaks supposedly creating jobs—$900 million to companies that, according to the New York Times, have only promised to create 2,364 positions. That's $387,537 in tax credits per job, the Times noted. Why do we get the feeling that those jobs won't be $300,000-a-year positions?

And teachers, who Christie famously called "political thugs," are still on his hit list, though so far, his education agenda has been stalled. He's trying to get rid of teacher tenure, making it easier to fire teachers and cut down on state aid for public schools, as well as push charter schools.

One teacher, however, has taken her fight to another level—Marie Corfield, the teacher in the famous YouTube video sparring with Christie over his education policies, just won a Democratic primary for a state assembly seat. Should she win, she'll have a lot more opportunities to fight Christie's attacks on teachers. 

5. Rick Perry, Texas

Everyone knows where Rick Perry was for most of the last year, right? Failing in his attempt to capture the GOP presidential nomination. At least he provided us with some much-needed comic relief.

But a few things he got up to– when he wasn't making headlines with ridiculous statements – flew somewhat under the national media's radar.

While Virginia, and the pro-choice movement, exploded in outrage over a law that would have required women to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound before they could get an abortion, Texas' similar law, passed months earlier attracted almost no national attention.

That wasn't enough for Perry, though—he had to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood from the state's Medicaid Women's Health program. In response, his Facebook page was inundated with women asking Governor “Goodhair” for the medical advice they would no longer be able to receive at Planned Parenthood.

Not satisfied with cutting funding for Planned Parenthood, Perry demanded 10 percent budget cuts from state agencies—even though tax revenues are up $1.6 billion because of high energy prices and some economic improvement.

Last year, Perry slashed $4 billion from schools, and protests against continued education cuts are ongoing. A Texas schoolteacher told AlterNet that after budget cuts, more kids are being squeezed into classrooms: “Pre-K is up to 26 now that they can have in a classroom, it went up from 22. It's a different ratio for different grade levels. It's 30-something for high school, it's approaching 30 at the elementary level, which is ridiculous. It's ridiculous to be expected to teach that many little people.”

4. John Kasich, Ohio

Governor Kasich took a big hit when voters decisively overturned his signature piece of legislation, an anti-public-union bill even nastier than Scott Walker's, by 313,000 more votes than the governor himself had gotten the year before. And now there are investigations underway into whether he's misused his power to consolidate control over his state's Republican party.

But what else has Kasich been up to?

He also backed down on a contentious voter suppression law that would have narrowed early voting and made it harder for voters to get absentee ballots, signing a repeal of the law in an attempt to prevent it becoming a ballot measure that could drive progressive voters in November.

But Kasich's managed to sign several restrictive anti-abortion laws, including one that would ban abortion coverage by state healthcare plans that Obama's healthcare reform law requires. The insurance plans don't exist yet, but it was apparently very important to make sure they don't cover abortion—and the ACLU calls the move unconstitutional. Kasich also, last summer, signed a late-term abortion ban into law.

And he's looking forward to a new law that would allow fracking in Ohio—one that might be the nation's worst.EcoWatch said of the law, “SB 315 will allow health and safety loopholes. It requires the gas industry to pay less than almost any other state in the country, exposing our communities to the worst excesses of the fracking industry. Doctors will be prevented from talking openly about the sickness they see in their patients, and the gas industry will keep profits flowing out of our communities.”

3. Rick Snyder, Michigan

Rick Snyder may be facing his own recall election—or at least, a group of determined voters who'd like to challenge the Michigan governor. Perhaps that's why he's allowed a tiny increase in the state's education budget this year. But there's a catch: those budget increases are tied to performance.

Snyder is best known for his state's “emergency manager” law, which grants him the power to appoint a manager over towns he deems in need of an overhaul. Revamped under Snyder, the lawgives the managers unilateral authority to fire officials, close schools, void union contracts (an apparent violation of the Constitution's Contracts Clause), and hand schools over to private charter companies.

He's still defending the law—and almost brought it to bear on Detroit. (The city's public school system has been under emergency management for a while, but not the city itself.)

He also signed a “partial-birth abortion” ban (duplicating the federal ban already on the books) just in case he wasn't keeping up his anti-choice creds as well as his neighbors.

Finally, while taking credit for the state's rise in personal incomes, Snyder's hacked the Earned Income Tax Credit for poor families, a move that will cost them an average of $700 a year. At the same time, corporate income taxes will drop by 83 percent. “Unless we restore the EITC, Michigan will soon tax the working poor deeper into poverty, instead of helping families climb into the middle-class,” Karen Holcomb-Merrill, policy director of the Michigan League for Human Services, told the Oakland Press.

2. Scott Walker, Wisconsin

We know you're sick of hearing about Scott Walker. Yes, he won his recall election and gets to stay in power—though it appears he won't have the state senate to do his bidding anymore, if election results in Racine hold.

So we'll make this short and just remind you that Walker may be in the news a lot more soon, if the John Doe investigation that's been underway in Wisconsin for a while is actually targeting the governor. He's been siphoning campaign money into a legal defense fund for the past seven weeks.

Something tells us we haven't heard the last of this. Nor of the movement that rose up in resistance to Walker's anti-union bill in the first place.

1. Rick Scott, Florida

Governor Scott, who reigns over the state synonymous with voter suppression and rigged elections in the minds of many Americans, is doing his best to live up to Florida tradition.

AlterNet's Steven Rosenfeld explained:

Progressive voting rights groups and even county election supervisors from Scott’s own party are saying the businessman-turned-governor’s latest gambit—claiming there are as many as 182,000 non-citizens among the state’s 11.2 million registered voters and having his appointed Secretary of State send out an initial list of 2,600 names to be purged—has crossed a line in the Florida sand, topping previous voter suppression efforts, and may violate two federal voting right laws.

The Justice Department told Scott to stop purging voters, and several voters have been reinstated, but the GOP has no plans to actually give up its purge -- Steve Rosenfeld reports that Florida is making all sorts of bizarre accusations against DoJ officials who are simply trying to uphold the law.

And while many states and municipalities refuse to require that companies which receive tax subsidies pay a decent wage, Scott and his friends in the Florida state legislature have gone one better and actually inserted language into a tax-break package that would “require businesses that receive the tax credits to certify that they do not employ union workers.”

Democrats said the anti-union portion of the bill was unconstitutional; in reply, the bill's sponsor said, “Yeah, there may be a judge somewhere who disagrees about whether or not it’s constitutional. So you’re just going to let some judge who might call it on you later on stop you from helping Floridians in some way?” 

Sarah Jaffe is an associate editor at AlterNet, a rabblerouser and frequent Twitterer. You can follow her at @sarahljaffe.