McNerney Questions Witnesses at Hearing on Climate Change

Press Release

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) closely questioned witnesses who testified against the harmful impact of climate change during a recent committee hearing. The hearing, titled "Climate Change: Examining the Processes Used to Create Science and Policy" was called by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, of which Rep. McNerney is a member.

During the hearing, Congressman McNerney put his over two decades of experience in clean energy technology to work questioning economist Dr. David Montgomery about his ties to ExxonMobile as well as the premise of his argument against the United States taking action on climate change.

Below is an excerpt of their exchange.

Rep. McNerney: "You criticize studies suggesting that forward thinking climate policies will create jobs, suggesting that the studies are the product of a biased group. But it's well documented that large oil companies spent massive amounts funding the studies that question climate science. Now isn't it true that you served as an expert eyewitness on behalf of ExxonMobil and which, according to one well-known report, spent $16 million funding initiatives to spark doubt on climate science?"

Dr. Montgomery: "I can't quite put that together, but I have testified as an expert witness on entirely unrelated issues about market shares and in regard to other…I have testified as an expert witness on behalf of ExxonMobile on entirely unrelated cases that has absolutely nothing to do with my opinions here...nor have I stated in any…and.. I think I probably should have done as Mr. Glaser pointed out that I am appearing today on my own behalf. I am not being compensated by anyone for this testimony. I am keeping my own opinions and I don't expect to be paid attention to here because of who I represent. I expect it be because of the logic of the arguments that I present."

Rep. McNerney: "Well, you said that there's no benefit to the U.S. for taking action on climate change?"

Dr. Montgomery: "…and that is a conclusion that I am perfectly happy to discuss with you at greater length. The point of that is that what the U.S. will do…"

Rep. McNerney: "My personal experience contradicts that because I've worked in the wind energy field. We created technology here in these United States and it went to Germany because they had climate policies that encouraged local utility companies to buy those wind turbines. We're now buying their manufactured products -- manufactured by Germans. We're buying that product in the United States. So, no, I disagree with you."

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