Former U.S. Senator James Mountain Inhofe, a prominent critic of mainstream climate science, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before his death at 89, Inhofe suffered a stroke.
Inhofe was born on November 17, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, and relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma in his early years. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he found success in insurance and real estate. His political career began in the Oklahoma House of Representatives before he served as the Mayor of Tulsa. In 1994, he became a U.S. Senator, a position he held until 2023 when health issues forced him to retire.
Throughout his career, which spanned over 50 years, Inhofe was a powerful advocate for military strength and fossil fuel industries. However, he is widely remembered for his contentious views on environmental issues. As the chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Inhofe called global warming a hoax and often criticized those who supported the idea 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 comparison to the big lie of the Third Reich.
In 2015, Inhofe famously threw a snowball on the Senate floor as a symbolic gesture to question the validity of global warming, a move which was met with criticism from his colleagues, such as Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who responded with NASA’s scientific data.
Beyond his environmental stance, Inhofe was a strong supporter of the American military and national defense. His disagreements with figures within his party, including former President Donald Trump, were not uncommon. In 2020, he played a key role in the passing of the annual defense policy bill despite Trump’s opposition.
Inhofe was also actively involved in cultural issues. In 2006, he sparked a nationwide debate by proposing English as the national language. His international focus was demonstrated through his frequent diplomatic trips to Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Kenya, for conflict resolution.
Despite numerous controversies, Inhofe remained an influential figure and a champion of conservative values until his retirement. His passing has triggered discussions on his legacy, especially his environmental views, which continue to provoke debates.
Inhofe penned the book “The Greatest Hoax: How the Global Warming Conspiracy Threatens Your Future,” where he outlined his climate change beliefs. He consistently argued that natural variations are the primary drivers of climate change and dismissed human-caused global warming as a “hoax.” His 2003 speech criticizing the Kyoto Protocol claimed that it would inflict significant economic damage on the U.S. without providing substantial environmental benefits.
His controversial moments were not limited to climate change. Following the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, Inhofe drew attention by stating he “was more outraged at the outrage” than at the torture of prisoners. His firm opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion often placed him in conflict with progressive campaigners.
Inhofe’s career was significantly supported by the fossil fuel industry, with over $2 million in political contributions from the coal and oil sectors. This funding reinforced his position as a leading advocate for fossil fuel interests in Congress. Despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists, Inhofe remained a staunch conservative, consistently ranked among the most conservative members of Congress.
Even after his tenure, Inhofe’s influence continues through his former staff members who now occupy significant roles in government, the private sector, and advocacy groups. Noteworthy among them are Andrew Wheeler, the former administrator of the EPA, and Marc Morano, the executive director of Climate Depot, a climate denial advocacy group.
Reactions to Inhofe’s death have come from all political corners. Several Republican politicians, including Representative Frank Lucas and Senator Mitt Romney, have paid tribute to Inhofe’s public service dedication and his leadership on national defense issues. Despite the controversies, many acknowledge Inhofe’s legacy as a strong advocate for conservative values and military strength.
James Inhofe will be remembered for his steadfast adherence to his beliefs, regardless of the ensuing controversies. His legacy, particularly his climate change stance, will continue to be a topic of debate as environmental policy discussions progress.
Inhofe is survived by his wife, three children, and numerous grandchildren. His son, Perry Inhofe, tragically died in a plane crash near Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2013.
