James Mountain Inhofe, the former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma known for his staunch opposition to mainstream climate science, died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 89 years old and had suffered a stroke prior to his death.
Born on November 17, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, Inhofe moved to Tulsa during his childhood. He served briefly in the U.S. Army before forging a career in the insurance and real estate sectors. His political journey began in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, followed by a tenure as the Mayor of Tulsa. In 1994, he ascended to the national stage as a U.S. Senator, a position he held until his retirement in 2023 due to health reasons.
Inhofe’s career, spanning over five decades, was marked by his fervent advocacy for military strength and fossil fuel interests. However, he was perhaps best known for his provocative stance on environmental issues. As the chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, he famously declared global warming a hoax and criticized environmentalists, scientists, and public officials who supported the notion of human-driven climate change. “You say something over and over and over again, and people will believe it. That’s their strategy,” Inhofe stated in a 2006 interview with the Tulsa World, drawing a controversial comparison to the big lie of the Third Reich.
His most theatrical display of skepticism occurred in 2015 when he tossed a snowball on the Senate floor to challenge the reality of global warming. This act was criticized by his peers, including Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who countered by citing scientific data from NASA.
Beyond environmental issues, Inhofe was a vigorous proponent of the American military and national defense. He often clashed with figures within his party, including former President Donald Trump. In 2020, he was instrumental in passing the annual defense policy bill despite opposition from Trump.
Inhofe’s legislative efforts also extended to cultural issues. In 2006, he initiated a controversial move to designate English as the national language, sparking debate about American identity and immigration. His commitment to international issues was evident in his frequent visits to Africa, where he was involved in diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution, notably in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Despite the controversies that peaked his career, Inhofe remained a figure of substantial influence and a beacon for conservative values until his retirement. His death has ignited discussions on his legacy, particularly his environmental stance, which continues to provoke debate both within and outside conservative circles.
During his long tenure, Inhofe authored the book “The Greatest Hoax: How the Global Warming Conspiracy Threatens Your Future,” where he detailed his views on climate change. He frequently argued that natural variability is the main driver of climate and that human-caused global warming is a “hoax.” In his 2003 speech challenging the scientific consensus on climate change, he criticized the Kyoto Protocol, stating that it would impose significant economic costs on the U.S. without providing meaningful environmental benefits.
Inhofe’s controversial moments extended beyond climate change. Following the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, he made headlines by saying he “was more outraged at the outrage” than the torture of the inmates. This statement, along with his staunch opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, often put him at odds with progressive advocates.
Throughout his career, Inhofe received significant political contributions from the fossil fuel industry, including over $2 million from the coal and oil industry. This support bolstered his position as a leading advocate for fossil fuel interests in Congress. Inhofe’s actions and views on climate change have been widely criticized by environmental advocates and scientists. However, he remained a staunch conservative and was consistently ranked as one of the most conservative members of Congress.
Inhofe’s influence extended beyond his time in office through a vast network of former staff members who now hold influential positions in government, the private sector, and advocacy groups. Notable alumni include Andrew Wheeler, the former administrator of the EPA, and Marc Morano, the executive director of Climate Depot, a climate denial advocacy group.
Inhofe’s death has prompted reactions from across the political spectrum. Several Republican politicians, including Representative Frank Lucas and Senator Mitt Romney, paid tribute to Inhofe’s dedication as a public servant and his leadership on national defense issues. Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Inhofe’s legacy as a fierce advocate for conservative values and military strength is acknowledged by many.
James Inhofe’s career was marked by his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, regardless of the controversies they stirred. His legacy will continue to be debated, particularly his stance on climate change, as the conversation about environmental policy evolves.
Inhofe leaves behind his wife, three children, and over a dozen grandchildren. His son Perry Inhofe passed away in 2013 in a plane crash near Tulsa.
