MEDIA ADVISORY

January 11, 2016

Contact: Jason Kowalski, (202) 670-5345

Video: Kasich Hints to Why GOP Candidates, Republicans Deny Climate Science

HAMPTON, NH — When asked by Elaine Colligan, 350 Action organizer and Exeter local, why the majority of Republicans deny the basic science behind climate change, Republican presidential candidate John Kasich conveyed his strong opinion behind climate denial, but refused to directly communicate the why as it is “not good,” and he is running in a Republican primary.

It would seem that Kasich is pointing to the stranglehold that the fossil fuel industry has over our political system, particularly within the Republican party, through mass financial contributions both during and around election years. As the election ramps up, candidates are being pressured to not only disclose their campaign contributions, but also to pledge not to accept donations from the rogue fossil fuel industry.

Since 2015, the Oil and Gas industry alone has contributed over $54.3 million to Republican candidates and elected officials, in contrast to the $7.1 million given to members of the Democratic party, according to the Center for Responsible Politics.

Video: bit.ly/1OdYdjx

Transcript:

Elaine Colligan: Hi, John Kasich. I live in Exeter, and my name is Elaine.

John Kasich: Hi.

Colligan: You know, I was just looking in the newspaper the other day, and I read that somewhere around 75 percent of Americans acknowledge that climate change is real, and I’m just wondering, you know, with the same scientific consensus behind climate change as evolution and gravity, why do you think pretty much lots of Republicans deny this basic science?

Kasich: Well, I think human beings do affect the climate, and I’m a big supporter of solar and wind and geothermal, and efficiency, but I want all of the different sources. I saw Seabrook today, I’m for nuclear too, I mean, I’m for all of this. [applause] So, um, I think sometimes, you know…I really have an opinion why they do that, but I’m not going to tell you because it’s not good. I am running in a Republican primary.

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350 Action is working in primary states to urge candidates for president to take bold action on climate change by pledging to keep fossil fuels in the ground and support a just transition to a 100% renewable energy future.