Dewhurst Interim Charges Look at Drought, Fires but Ignore the Why

AUSTIN – Today, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst directed Senate committees to “prepare and respond to” the unprecedented drought and wildfires plaguing the state. This year, the state of Texas has suffered from the worst wildfires in history, the worst one-year drought on record, and the hottest summer ever record in the history of the United States. According to Texas State Climatologist John Neilson-Gammon, an appointee of Gov. Perry, the extreme heat is due in part to global warming. Furthermore, the extreme drought and wildfires are consistent with scientific predictions about climate change. 

“The extreme heat, drought and wildfires are truly a crisis and deserve the full attention of the Texas Legislature,” said Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger. “But it is irresponsible to not investigate why this climate crisis is taking place and what we can do to prevent it. Texas’ top climate scientists say it’s linked to global warming and, in order to avoid a future of worsening drought, heat and fires, we must take immediate steps to reduce global warming pollution.”

“Instead, Gov. Perry’s political appointees at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have been caught trying to censor the scientists who dare to demonstrate how global warming is impacting our state’s environment. This is truly an example of Texas political leaders playing the fiddle while Texas burns.”