"After years of science denial, things are about to change."

"On Wednesday, the House of Representatives will have not one, but two hearings on climate change, breaking at least six years of silence or outright denial about the subject when Republicans were in control.

Both the Natural Resources Committee and a subcommittee of Energy and Commerce are holding simultaneous hearings. The Natural Resources hearing features two panels, starting with testimony from Gov. Roy Cooper (D-N.C.) and Gov Charlie Baker (R-Mass.), who have been vocal in describing how hurricanes and coastal flooding have threatened their states. Both committees’ witnesses will include a mix of scientists, activists, and environmental justice advocates in hearings that will quite broadly focus on the case for action, laying some initial groundwork for potential climate legislation.

“Communities across the country have been feeling severe climate impacts for years and hoping for relief from Congress,” Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said in a statement. “Republicans and their industry allies told them it was all in their heads. Democrats on this Committee aren’t just acknowledging those communities—we want to put them front and center to tell their stories, inform the country, and help us take action in Washington.”"

Rebecca Leber reports for Mother Jones February 5, 2019. [2]