"Senate Republicans to World: We're Not Paying for Climate"

"The Senate's leading climate change denier, James Inhofe (R-Okla.), isn't making an appearance in Cancun this year. He dropped in for a short visit to Copenhagen last year, where his presence mostly served to confuse and disturb reporters from other countries. This year he decided to make a video presentation at a side event in Cancun organized by Americans for Prosperity, an astroturf group funded in part by fossil fuel interests, rather than show up. But he and three other Republican Senators on Thursday reminded the world that they intend to block funding for climate-related issues.

In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Inhofe joined John Barrasso (Wy), David Vitter (La.), and George Voinovich (Ohio) in requesting that the US stop 'wasting' money on programs to help developing countries reduce emissions and adapt to climate changes. In Copenhagen, the leaders of developed countries, including the US, agreed to provide $10 billion a year for projects for the next three years, and $100 billion a year by 2020. The details of that funding are among the issues under negotiation in Cancun right now."

Kate Sheppard reports for Mother Jones December 2, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"Deadlock on Climate Talks Will Hike Business Costs --Indonesia" (Reuters)

"India Hopes To Break Deadlock at Cancun Climate Talks" (AFP)

"China Turns Negotiating Tables on U.S. in Stalled Climate Talks" (Bloomberg)

"Cancún Feud Hits Climate Deal Talks" (Financial Times)