Republican leaders steer clear of climate science fight

Obama, echoing the overwhelming majority of scientists, said in his climate speech Tuesday that there’s clear evidence of human-induced climate change, and said it creates huge risks.

The president and his allies have also been criticizing climate skeptics – Obama in his speech knocked the “Flat Earth Society.”

Liberal groups including Organizing for Action and the Center for American Progress have been criticizing the substantial number of GOP lawmakers who question human-induced global warming.

But in the wake of Obama’s plan to impose new regulations using his executive powers, GOP leaders such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have made their counter-case largely on economic grounds.

They allege Obama’s plan is a “war on coal,” among other claims.