On Warming, Chambliss Suddenly Realizes "Really Something To It"

[hatrack]

WASHINGTON - Georgia Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss isn't ready to call himself a global warming alarmist, but a recent trip with Sen. John McCain to Greenland to view melting polar ice has given him a new perspective on the issue. "You can truly see that there is some melting going on," Chambliss said in an interview with The Associated Press. "When you see it, all of a sudden you say, 'Hey, that issue that we've been talking about off and on over the years, there really is something to it.'"

Ed. - emphasis added.

Chambliss has long opposed forcing reductions in "greenhouse gas" emissions from power plants and other sources that scientists widely believe are causing the earth's climate to gradually warm. The phenomenon could have dire consequences, scientists believe, including rising sea levels and increased flooding in coastal areas, more extreme weather conditions such as drought, and general destruction of natural habitat.

For several years, McCain has tried unsuccessfully to convince more of his GOP colleagues to support his push to set caps on emissions from industrial polluters, mostly coal-burning power plants. Such plants provide about half of the nation's power but account for about a third of its carbon dioxide emissions, which trap solar energy close to the earth's surface and are considered a leading cause of global warming. Chambliss was among the "no" votes last year when the Senate voted 38-60 to defeat McCain's legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn.

Chambliss hesitated when asked whether he would vote differently on McCain's legislation now, noting the complexity of the issue and the need for getting emerging countries such as India and China to reduce emissions. "I don't know enough about it from this one trip to make up my mind as to whether we're doing everything we can do right now ... or whether there's something else we need to do," he said, adding that he couldn't recall the particulars of McCain's bill. "If I voted against it, I probably haven't changed my mind. But I am much more aware of the issue."

EDIT

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/hall/newfullstory.asp?ID=107071

Gosh, Senator, that's just SUPER! You're more aware of the issue! WONDERFUL! How about some cookies and milk?

[gademocrat7]

1. chambliss is a despicable person.

I will never forgive him for the evil, ugly way he campaigned against Max Cleland.
He tows the rethug line.

[napi21]

4. Saxby is an AH! Every time I send him an email telling him I want

him to support or vote against something, he sends me an email answer that either doesn't answer the question at all, or indirectly tells me he's supporting Shrub all the way!

I sure hope we can get a GREAT candidate to run against him when he's up for re-election!

[blm]

2. Oh geez - sounds like the answer the Ten Commandments GOP sponsor gave

He couldn't recall what the Ten Commandments are but he stuck by his bill to make sure they can be posted in public places.

Chambliss needs Rove to send him a new formulated response.

[Kutjara]

3. I love the old Repug double standard.

To get them to believe in global warming, you have to show them evidence that their own eyes can see, clear and unambiguous. These guys are such dogged empiracists that no amount of data or analysis will convince them. They have to actually look at the melting ice before they'll even start to accept the truth. Even then, it will take so much more investigation and discussion before the full picture is clear.

When it comes to God, however, they believe what they're told and anyone who questions 'the truth' is a damned heathen. No evidence required.