Scientists challenge Utah legislators over global warming 'conspiracy'
David Wells Senior Web Producer
12:20 AM MST, February 14, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY - A group of scientists from Utah and elsewhere held a press conference after the Utah House of Representatives passed two controversial climate-change resolutions. One resolution asks the Environmental Protection Agency not to regulate carbon dioxide emissions. The other asks Governor Gary Herbert to pull out of the Western Climate Initiative, which aims to combat climate change caused by global warming. Recent polls suggest Utah's public opinion is moving against belief in human-caused global warming.
Scientists from Brigham Young University, the University of Utah and New York University have been involved in the debate, which began with BYU scientists challenging lawmakers in November. The scientists argued that there is proof of human-caused global warming.
"The 2000 to 2009 decade was the warmest on record, followed by the 1990s as the second warmest," said Thomas Reichler, an atmospheric scientist with the University of Utah.
But some legislators still aren't convinced of mankind's purported influence on the Earth's ever-increasing temperatures.
"I, in my mind, absolutely believe this is a conspiracy. There's no question in my mind," said Rep. Mike Noel.
fox13now.com |
