The Global Warming Heretic: They’re really thinking about a different kind of green

Have these companies really become true believers in global warming, or is something else at play here?

Why we call them "denialists": a perfect illustration.

Those who disagree with the strong scientific consensus on climate change like to think of themselves as "skeptics", but their conduct is usually anything but skeptical. A recent guest opinion by Jon F. Buck in the Arizona Daily Star illustrates this perfectly.

Sen. Barrasso Makes a Name for Himself Fighting EPA, Climate Bill - NYTimes.com

Inhofe noted a few other Republican senators have been active on the issue, including Kit Bond of Missouri and Mike Crapo of Idaho. "But for so many years it was kind of lonely out there," Inhofe added. "So it's kind of nice to have some new partners. ... We're getting a lot more people willing to come out and be aggressive in issues that are politically unpopular."

Marc Morano, who worked as Inhofe's communications director at the EPW Committee until earlier this year, said he anticipates Inhofe and Barrasso delivering a "one-two punch" to knock down a Senate climate bill.

"It's a perfect blend of Inhofe on the science and the economics with Senator Barrasso as well focusing on the science and the economics and reaching out as well doing more coalition building," said Morano, who is now executive director of Climate Depot, a media outlet aimed at giving a voice to climate change skeptics.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), an EPW Committee member, predicted that Barrasso will play a "very active role" in the climate change debate.

"I think Senator Barrasso clearly not only understands the issue, has taken the time to try to read up on it," Cardin said. "He's personally visited a lot of places. He's made this a priority. ... We may not agree with him on a particular topic, but he is well prepared and he certainly represents his view very effectively."

EPW Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) was not as kind. By teaming up with Inhofe and other GOP critics of the administration's climate policies, "He has positioned himself with the very radical deniers," Boxer said.