Hearing of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Biggs, Hearing on Climate Science: Assumptions, Policy Implications, and the Scientific Method

Hearing

Thank you, Chairman Smith, for calling this important hearing. As we move forward as policymakers in this new Congress and with a new Administration, it is important that we have the best available data to make informed decisions. It is also important that this data is grounded in sound science that is not biased or part of a larger political agenda.

Our nation's climate change policy cannot be taken lightly, because the stakes are enormous. We simply must eliminate costly, unjustifiable regulations. For example, President Obama's climate change actions, such as the Clean Power Plan, have been estimated to cost billions annually, while having a negligible impact on the environment. It is for this very reason that President Trump issued an Executive Order yesterday requiring the EPA to revisit this regulation.

Not only did the previous administration mute honest discussions that went against Obama's politicized climate change legacy, but it also perpetuated scandal in the industry. Dr. Bates' concerns regarding the Karl Study at NOAA is one such instance. Our economy is not a toy to play with. If we are to make far-reaching laws and regulations, the findings of climate research need to be clear, not muddled with bad science, name-calling, or scandals.

Unfortunately, this muddling has tarnished the reputation of science and made me weary of supporting climate change regulations, fearing that the underlying research is being manipulated. Rigorous scientific debate should never be silenced, and we must vigorously confront instances in which scientific integrity falls short. I look forward to an honest, level-headed discussion today not just about what we know about climate change, but also about the uncertainties that still need to be addressed. I thank Chairman Smith and yield back the balance of my time.

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