Jim Inhofe, climate change denier, dies at 89

Former Senator Jim Inhofe, a staunch opponent of climate science, has passed away at 89 after a stroke.

Alex Guillén, Josh Siegel, Annie Snider, and Ben Lefebvre report for Politico.


In short:

  • Jim Inhofe, a long-serving senator from Oklahoma, died at 89 after a stroke. He was known for his fierce opposition to climate change science.
  • Inhofe held significant influence over environmental policy, chairing the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
  • He was a key figure in appointing Trump-era EPA administrators and worked to roll back Obama-era environmental regulations.

Key quote:

“Jim is a climate change denier. He is really, really conservative, but you know what, he is a decent guy and I like him, and he and I are friends.”

— Senator Bernie Sanders, (D) Vermont

Why this matters:

Jim Inhofe's passing marks the end of an era in American politics, but the debates he fueled will undoubtedly persist as the nation and the world strive to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Read more in Peter Dykstra's essay: Happy birthday, Senator Inhofe!

Clock approaching midnight superimposed over a world map
Credit: chughes/ BigStock Photo ID: 20162111

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds till midnight

A science-oriented advocacy group moved its “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, saying the Earth is closer than ever to destruction.
Aerial view of Marcellus Shale fracking well in Pennsylvania
Copyright: shutterrudder/BigStock Photo ID: 53059774

Despite limited interest in drilling on federal land, US Forest Service ‘streamlines’ oil and gas leasing rules

The U.S. Forest Service announced revisions to its oil and gas leasing rules today that the agency promises “modernizes and streamlines” the permitting process to drill for fossil fuels in the nation’s forests and grasslands.

The concept of climate change. Planet earth on fiery orange background.
Credit: izmeda/ BigStock Photo ID: 349738711

Opinion: The UK government didn’t want you to see this report on ecosystem collapse. I’m not surprised

It took an FOI request to bring this national security assessment to light. For ‘doomsayers’ like us, it is the ultimate vindication, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot.

Technician using multimeter to repair photovoltaic modules
Credit: toa55/ BigStock Photo ID: 397172075

US solar manufacturing in 2026: What the heck to expect

Companies are adding factory capacity across the whole supply chain, even as new tariffs and national security concerns loom on the horizon.
Electronic billboards on tall buildings in the center of a city

Whistleblowers warn that ad industry is fueling online hatred and climate crisis

A group of senior advertising executives has released an anonymous memo warning that “a vacuum of responsible leadership” means the ad industry is morally failing itself and society.

Construction of the foundation of a building with concrete and metal rebar

The US data center buildout has a hidden source of carbon emissions

Tech companies are turning to green concrete to help reduce the massive environmental footprint of building out data centers.
 Construction site with steel structure warehouse.
Credit: MaxSafaniuk/ BigStock Photo ID: 438562529

Wisconsin debates how to pay for the power-hungry AI boom

Regulators mull the first big utility plan to provide electricity to data centers flocking to the state, igniting disputes over consumer protection and clean energy.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.