Political Quotes

“Thank you so much, Mr. Blumenauer, for leading this discussion about such an important topic. The reality of what we are talking about is really impossible to deny. We've had numerous scientists testify in Congress. You mentioned Dr. Hansen. I want to mention that his first testimony in Congress was 25 years ago. 1988 was the first time that Dr. Hansen, a well-renowned NASA scientist, testified about the problems of climate change--25 years ago. Since, so many peer-reviewed studies have shown the reality of what we are facing and the human impact, a significant contributing factor. Not only do we have a lot of impacts on the planet, from glacial withdrawal and loss of sea ice, ocean acidification, rising temperatures and rising sea levels, we are feeling the impact here in our country with record droughts in the American Southwest and historic severe weather events. You probably have already mentioned that, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, and NASA, last year, 2012, was the warmest year on record for the United States. The 9 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998. I want to talk for a minute, Mr. Blumenauer, about some of the effects we are feeling in our home State of Oregon. We have a reputation for quality wine grapes, including the world-renowned pinot noir grape. The quality of wine is attributable to the climate in Oregon.…”