A Senate Environment Committee hearing on climate science Wednesday only exemplified the political deadlock that keeps the United States from basing policy on established science.

"In summer 2009, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.) butted heads in what was to be the last Senate hearing on climate change for three years. Then, the debate was over pending climate change legislation, with both sides firing off the usual arguments: obstructionism by the right and overspending by the left. The two powerhouse legislators locked horns again yesterday on climate change for the first time since then, but this time the argument amongst members of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee was back to climate kindergarten: Is it actually happening?"

Tim McDonnell and James West report for Mother Jones August 2, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Climate Change Takes Back Seat on Campaign Trail" (Boston Globe) [3]

"Science Hearing Renews Old Tensions on Senate Panel" (Greenwire) [4]

"Youths Appeal Climate Case Against Washington State" (ENS) [5]

"Scientists Warn Congress About Disastrous Effects of Climate Change" (Guardian) [6]

"Conversion Of Climate Change Skeptic Not Likely To Sway GOP" (Los Angeles Times) [7]

"Drought, Heat Shows Climate Change is Real, Democrats Say" (Bloomberg) [8]

"Dems Blame Weather on Climate Change" (E2 Wire/The Hill) [9]