James Mountain Inhofe, a former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, who gained notoriety for his strong opposition to prevailing climate science, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 89 and had suffered a stroke prior to his passing.
Inhofe was born on November 17, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma during his early years. His career began with a brief stint in the U.S. Army, followed by roles in the insurance and real estate industries. His political journey started in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and included a term as Tulsa’s Mayor. In 1994, he transitioned to the national political scene, serving as a U.S. Senator until 2023 when he retired due to health issues.
Over his five-decade-long career, Inhofe was noted for his zealous support for military might and fossil fuel industry. His most recognized stance, however, was his dismissive view on environmental concerns. As the head of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, he infamously labeled global warming a deception, and openly criticized environmentalists, scientists, and public officials who acknowledged human-induced climate change. “You say something over and over and over again, and people will believe it. That’s their strategy,” Inhofe remarked in a 2006 interview with the Tulsa World, a statement that drew parallels to the propaganda of the Third Reich and resulted in controversy.
In 2015, Inhofe made a theatrical demonstration of his disbelief in global warming by throwing a snowball on the Senate floor. This act was met with criticism from his colleagues, including Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who responded with climate data from NASA.
Apart from environmental issues, Inhofe was a strong advocate for the American military and national defense, often finding himself at odds with figures within his own party, including former President Donald Trump. In 2020, he played a key role in passing the annual defense policy bill, despite Trump’s opposition.
Inhofe’s legislative endeavors also touched upon cultural issues. In 2006, he spearheaded a controversial initiative to declare English as the national language, igniting discussions on American identity and immigration. His involvement in international issues was marked by his numerous visits to Africa, where he participated in diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution, particularly in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Despite the controversies that marked his career, Inhofe remained a significant political figure and a stalwart of conservative values until his retirement. His passing has spurred discussions about his legacy, particularly his environmental views, which continue to stimulate debate within and beyond conservative circles.
In his tenure, Inhofe penned the book “The Greatest Hoax: How the Global Warming Conspiracy Threatens Your Future,” outlining his climate change views. He often argued that natural variability primarily drives the climate and that human-caused global warming was a “hoax.” In his 2003 speech challenging the scientific consensus on climate change, he voiced his opposition to the Kyoto Protocol, arguing that it would impose significant economic costs on the U.S. without yielding meaningful environmental benefits.
His controversial stances stretched beyond climate change. Following the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, he made a statement that he “was more outraged at the outrage” than the inmates’ torture. This sentiment, coupled with his firm opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, frequently caused friction with progressive advocates.
Throughout his political career, Inhofe received considerable donations from the fossil fuel industry, including over $2 million from the coal and oil sectors. These contributions reinforced his role as a leading advocate for fossil fuel interests in Congress. Despite facing criticism from scientists and environmental advocates for his views on climate change, Inhofe remained a committed conservative and was consistently ranked among the most conservative members of Congress.
Inhofe’s influence extends beyond his term in office through a network of former staffers who now hold prominent positions in government, private sector, and advocacy groups. Notable among these are Andrew Wheeler, the former EPA administrator, and Marc Morano, the executive director of Climate Depot, an organization advocating climate denial.
Inhofe’s passing has elicited reactions from various political figures. Several Republican politicians, including Representative Frank Lucas and Senator Mitt Romney, have paid homage to Inhofe’s dedication as a public servant and his leadership on national defense matters. Despite career controversies, many acknowledge Inhofe’s legacy as a staunch advocate for conservative values and military strength.
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.