Inhofe vows to help defeat global warming measure

TULSA — Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, is warning of higher utility costs and job losses if a bill aimed at curtailing global warming advances in the Senate.

The measure introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and John Warner, R-Va., passed a key Senate committee late Wednesday, but Inhofe vowed to derail the measure, which is aimed at cutting greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gases are the warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere caused by water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases.

“We have a long ways to go until this bill even has any chance of being considered on the Senate floor,” said Inhofe, the ranking GOP member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Once the bill gets to the floor, it will face challenges, Inhofe predicted in a story from the Tulsa World's Washington bureau.

“Because this bill will strike a devastating blow to American families, American jobs, and the American way of life, I vow to lead the fight in the Senate to defeat this disastrous bill,” Inhofe said.

He believes millions of jobs will be lost to China, India and other emerging nations that don't have carbon limits.

The Oklahoma Republican is a leading skeptic of global warming, calling it a hoax several years ago.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who succeeded Inhofe as chairman of the Senate committee, described the bill as the most far-reaching global warming measure in the world.

“The vote of the Environment and Public Works Committee in favor of the Climate Security Act was a historic moment for our country and for my committee,” Boxer said.

“Finally, America is taking bold steps to avert the catastrophe that awaits our children and grandchildren if we do nothing.”

She said the measure will address global warming while keeping the economy strong.

Lieberman said the measure calling for cuts in greenhouse gas pollution is the first to win in any legislative panel.

Lieberman modeled his bill on a cap-and-trade system that would allow companies to buy or sell allowances depending on their level of pollution.