Bravo, Gary Pierce

Climate spat springs from pollution fine | www.azstarnet.com ®

The fight between Pierce and Owens is a microcosm of that larger dispute.
It started with a settlement DEQ negotiated last month with Honeywell International Inc. over environmental violations. As part of the deal, Honeywell agreed to give $1 million to the Western Governors Association to finance the work of the Western Climate Initiative to draft the cap and trade system.
Pierce questioned using these dollars for what is known as a "supplemental environmental project," saying the funds should have been used to benefit communities affected by Honeywell's pollution.
But Owens, in his response to Pierce, did more than defend the legality of the move. He made it personal.
"It is clear that your opposition to this … stems from your personal belief that climate change is not real, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that not only is climate change happening but human activities are contributing significantly to it," Owens wrote.
Pierce told Capitol Media Services, "I readily accept the Earth is warming. The reality is, the human part is a theory."