Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

Statement from Rep. Paul Thissen in Response to GOP Denial of Global Warming

For Immediate Release Contact: Gia Vitali (612) 386-1879

September 16, 2009

Statement from Rep. Paul Thissen in Response to GOP Denial of Global Warming

“For too long Republicans have buried their heads in the sand like ostriches when confronted by
difficult problems. Unwilling to change the status quo they find so comfortable, they not only
refuse to take any affirmative action, but they deny the existence of a problem. Today is just
another example of Minnesota GOP leaders abdicating their moral responsibility to our state and
taking the easy way out.  This is just one more example of Republicans consistent efforts to demean science to the
detriment of Minnesota.

What is most frustrating about the GOP’s denial of scientific research is the way they use their skepticism to cloak their complacency.  No other explanation exists for how State Sen. David Hann can actually say that, “The global warming debate comes into play because that is the excuse that is used to take this route, to go the alternative energy route.”  His insistence that we need to promote “traditional” sources of energy is an example of the
shortsighted and simply tragic leadership exemplified by the Minnesota Republican Party.””