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Assessing the Reliability of NH State Rep. Jeanine Notter on Climate Change Matters

To determine whether New Hampshire State Representative Jeanine Notter is a reliable expert on climate change matters, we need to evaluate several factors: her background, her statements regarding climate science, and the context in which she operates.

1. Background and Political Affiliation

Jeanine Notter is a Republican member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Her political affiliation may influence her views on climate change, as research indicates that political ideology significantly affects beliefs about climate science. According to Texas Tech University climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe, individuals’ beliefs about climate change often align with their political ideologies rather than scientific consensus.

2. Statements on Climate Science

Notter has made public statements that suggest skepticism towards established climate science. For example, she has indicated that “climate science is never really settled,” which reflects a common narrative among climate change skeptics who argue against the overwhelming scientific consensus that human activities are driving significant changes in the Earth’s climate. This perspective aligns with positions taken by various organizations funded by fossil fuel interests, which often promote misinformation about climate change.

3. Association with Organizations Promoting Climate Disinformation

Notter’s involvement with groups like ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) and attendance at conferences organized by entities such as the Heartland Institute raise further questions about her reliability as an expert on climate issues. The Heartland Institute is known for promoting discredited views on climate science and organizing events featuring fringe scientists who challenge mainstream scientific findings. Such affiliations can undermine her credibility as a reliable source of information on climate change.

4. Influence of Fossil Fuel Interests

The fossil fuel industry has a history of funding campaigns and organizations that disseminate misleading information about climate change to protect its economic interests. Notter’s connections to these groups suggest that her views may be influenced by external funding sources rather than grounded in scientific evidence.

Conclusion

Given these considerations—her political affiliation, skeptical statements regarding established climate science, associations with organizations known for promoting misinformation, and potential influence from fossil fuel interests—it can be concluded that Jeanine Notter is not a reliable expert on climate change matters.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

1. Texas Tech University (Katherine Hayhoe)
Katherine Hayhoe is a prominent climate scientist whose research focuses on the intersection of science and policy regarding climate change. Her work emphasizes how political ideology influences public perception of scientific issues.

2. Heartland Institute
The Heartland Institute is an organization known for its promotion of free-market policies and skepticism toward mainstream climate science. It organizes conferences featuring speakers who challenge established scientific consensus on global warming.

3. American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
ALEC is a nonprofit organization that brings together state legislators and private sector representatives to discuss policy issues, including energy and environmental regulations. It has been criticized for promoting legislation aligned with corporate interests over scientific consensus on environmental issues.