Christie doubts the science of global warming (But he’s not running for president)

Chris Christie was considered a green-friendly Republican when he ran for governor, winning the NJ Environmental Federation’s endorsement in 2009 and praise from other groups that remained neutral in the governor’s race.

A year later and it is clear that Christie is not only not green, but he is downright dismissive of the environmentalists who helped him win the Statehouse by giving him credibility on green issues last year.

He has done some positive things — signing wind farm legislation, for instance — but on the whole he has been a disaster for the environment, gutting funding for alternative energy programs, reorganizing the state Department of Environmental Protection while making it more business-friendly and so on.

And now, with rumors flying that he will be on the national ticket in 2012 — rumors he denies, sort of, maybe, sort of — he is moving to ensure that his green credentials are in keeping with the wacko fringe of the Republican base that he will need on is side in a primary.

Here is a brief report issued by the Associated Press and posted on NJ.com:

Gov. Chris Christie says he’s skeptical that humans are responsible for global warming.
The governor, a new darling of the Republican Party, made the remark at a town hall meeting he hosted in Toms River Tuesday afternoon.

Asked by a man attending the event whether he thought mankind was responsible for global warming, Christie says he’s seen evidence on both sides of the argument but thinks it hasn’t been proven one way or another.

Christie says “more science” is needed to convince him.

More science? Really? Despite the consensus that exists within the scientific community on the issue, he wants more — which should make the fringe happy, but will leave us here in New Jersey dealing with the fallout.

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