River Bend Times

Senator Chuck Grassley addressed the Senate Budget Committee on May 22, 2024, expressing his solidarity with the people of Greenfield, Iowa, following a recent storm that caused significant destruction. "If you were watching morning television that’s national, you would have seen it on television this very morning," Grassley remarked. He extended his thoughts to those affected in Adair County and commended first responders for their efforts.

"My staff is on the ground right now in Greenfield touring unimaginable destruction from storms yesterday," Grassley stated. He expressed readiness to assist communities in recovery and noted that several fatalities had been reported. "Barbara and I are praying for the families who have lost loved ones and for those who have lost their homes and businesses so unexpectedly."

The senator then shifted focus to the subject of climate change, highlighting the importance of scientific discourse over activism. He welcomed Dr. Roger Pielke, formerly of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, to provide insights into drought trends as per the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). According to Grassley, "the IPCC has not detected strong trends in any of the three types of drought – meteorological, agricultural or hydrological – in any region of the entire world."

Grassley also anticipated testimony from Dr. Michael Castellano from Iowa State's Department of Agronomy. He praised Dr. Castellano's work on soil composition and its implications for farmers' ability to adapt to climate change while maintaining environmental health and profitability.

"Rather than speculate on climate change doomsday, we Iowans prefer to confront problems head-on," Grassley asserted. He emphasized his personal engagement with local weather patterns by monitoring rain levels at his farm.

Additionally, Grassley submitted an article by Dr. Ulf Büntgen from the University of Cambridge titled “The importance of distinguishing climate science from climate activism” into the record. Quoting Büntgen, he said: "Activists often adopt scientific arguments as a source of moral legitimation for their movements, which can be radical and destructive rather than rational and constructive." Grassley stressed the need for adherence to sound science over activist-driven agendas.

The session concluded with Grassley's welcome to all witnesses present at the hearing.

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Senate Budget Committee - Main Office

624 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-0642

Fax: (202) 224-4835