Day: May 5, 2016

DENVER – Republican state Rep. J. Paul Brown encouraged fellow lawmakers on Tuesday to see “Climate Hustle,” a “global warming comedy” that critics say foolishly emboldens climate change skeptics.

Brown, from Ignacio, made his comment during an evening debate before the full House, speaking to colleagues from a podium at the front of the chamber.

Lawmakers were discussing legislation that would require the Public Utilities Commission to consider greenhouse gas emissions when contemplating a utility’s electric proposals.

The remark raised eyebrows.

Later that evening, Brown told The Durango Herald that he is skeptical as to the cause of climate change.

“We continue to have climate change, I just question whether it’s man-made,” Brown said.

The film premiered in theaters for one day on Monday, when Brown saw it. Future releases are expected and trailers are available online at ClimateHustleMovie.com.

“‘Climate Hustle’… reveals the history of climate scares, including global cooling; debunks outrageous claims about temperatures, extreme weather and the so-called ‘consensus’; exposes the increasingly shrill calls to ‘act immediately before it’s too late,’ and in perhaps the film’s most important section, profiles key scientists who used to believe in climate alarm but have since converted to skepticism,” reads an explanation of the film on the movie’s website.

The film has been promoted by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

It was financed by the conservative Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, and was written and narrated by Marc Morano, a high-profile climate change skeptic.

Morano, who began his career working for conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, runs the CFACT-funded blog ClimateDepot.com, which posts information often denying climate change is human-made.

The film caught the attention of late-night talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel, who lambasted Palin during “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Monday, stating, “The idea that she knows more than 97 percent of scientists is offensive, it’s dangerous.”

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Brown defended the film, stating: “These scientists (in the film) are saying that carbon dioxide is a good thing, that it’s actually fertilizing plants, and I think we just need to look at the science. This documentary says that, actually, we’re short on carbon dioxide compared to other times in world history.”

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Colorado environmental groups had harsh words for Brown, calling his comments “baffling.”