Jim Hansen Makes NASA PAO's Day Again

Editor’s note 10:26 am EDT : Hansen is on the Diane Rehm show right now at WAMU at FM 88.5 Listen

Hansen will be testifying today at 3:00pm EDT today before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Put oil firm chiefs on trial, says leading climate change scientist, The Guardian

“James Hansen, one of the world’s leading climate scientists, will today call for the chief executives of large fossil fuel companies to be put on trial for high crimes against humanity and nature, accusing them of actively spreading doubt about global warming in the same way that tobacco companies blurred the links between smoking and cancer.” ….

“He is also considering personally targeting members of Congress who have a poor track record on climate change in the coming November elections. He will campaign to have several of them unseated. “

Editor’s note: I’d love to see PAO’s talking points on this one … meanwhile, isn’t using one’s position at NASA like this a potential violation of the Hatch Act? Does Hanesen give these overtly political, partisan interviews and make these campaign suggestions while sitting at his desk?

Editor’s update: I was on cue to ask a question – but the show ended just before I was called upon. This is what I submitted by email and would have asked:

“Dr. Hansen: I agree 200% with you on the science of climate change. You have been very open – and correct – about criticizing the Bush Administration’s political appointees at NASA for limiting or blocking your ability to speak out – and that there were political motives behind this. Yet you now sit at your desk, overtly using your NASA position, on government time, and openly call for people to be fired and that you will openly campaign for politicians. Aren’t all of you violating the Hatch Act with regard to the prohibition of government employees from engaging in partisan political activity?”