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!
Pruitt dialed up two billionaires who made their fortunes in the fossil fuel industry said two people with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private conversations.
The 87-year-old Republican has told people that he will step down at the end of the year, four years before his term is up. His seat is likely to stay in G.O.P. hands.
