Capito Weighs in on Climate Change

U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, tells The Charleston Gazette that "she's 'not convinced' that human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide are leading to global warming that will alter the planet's climate in ways that could be dangerous."

The article explains that "earlier this week, Capito visited a Kanawha County strip mine owned by one of her campaign contributors, Charleston businessman Andrew Jordon, to promote her view that the Obama administration's outlook on climate change and limiting the damage from mountaintop removal will destroy the coal industry."

The newspaper also reports that "along with several GOP leaders, Capito has been citing an MIT study in arguing that the legislation would cost the average household $3,100 a year." It adds that "the MIT professor who wrote the study said the GOP has mischaracterized his research, and that the true cost is closer to $300 per year."

But Capito also told The Gazette that "carbon dioxide emissions globally are undoubtedly rising, because of expanding use of automobiles, increased population and growth in the economies of emerging nations." She said that "perhaps someday the emissions growth will warm the planet and cause problems, but 'I don't think this is going to happen tomorrow,'" the article said.

The article reports that "scientists from around the world have called for deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, to try to stabilize the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere within the next decade and avoid major sea level rises, widespread species extinctions and a host of other damaging impacts."

Several West Virginia officials, including other members of its congressional delegation, have issue pro-coal pronouncement in the wake of the Obama administration's increased scrutiny of mountaintop removal mining permits in the state and elsewhere.

The Times West Virginian of Fairmont reports that Gov. Joe Manchin "met Thursday with officials from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss concerns the organization has" about the permits.

"Manchin said he has been battling for coal for some time, trying to make environmentalists understand that coal is necessary and that West Virginia cares about the environment and is making efforts to market clean-coal technology," that article said.