Former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, James Mountain Inhofe who was famously skeptical of mainstream climate science, passed away on July 9, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His death followed a stroke and he was 89 years old.

Inhofe was born on November 17, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa but moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma during his childhood. His professional life started in the insurance and real estate sectors before his political journey commenced in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He served as the Mayor of Tulsa and eventually became a U.S. Senator in 1994, a position he held until 2023 when he retired due to health concerns.

Known for his advocacy for military strength and fossil fuel interests, Inhofe’s five-decade career was also marked by his controversial views on environmental policies. He gained notoriety for declaring global warming a hoax while serving as the chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. He was known to criticize environmentalists, scientists, and public officials who backed the idea of climate change caused by human activities. “You say something over and over and over again, and people will believe it. That’s their strategy,” Inhofe said in a 2006 interview with the Tulsa World, a comment that sparked controversy.

His most memorable display of skepticism was in 2015 when he threw a snowball on the Senate floor to question the existence of global warming. This act drew criticism from fellow senators, including Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse who responded with scientific data from NASA.

Inhofe was not only known for his environmental views, but also for his strong support for the American military and national defense. He often found himself in disagreement with members of his party, including former President Donald Trump, especially when he played a pivotal role in passing the annual defense policy bill in 2020, despite opposition from Trump.

His legislative initiatives also touched on cultural issues. In 2006, he made a contentious move to declare English as the national language, sparking a national debate about American identity and immigration. His dedication to international issues was evident in his frequent trips to Africa, where he played a role in diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution, particularly in Ethiopia and Kenya.

Inhofe’s death has sparked discussions about his legacy, especially his stance on environmental issues which continues to spark debate within and outside conservative circles. Despite the controversies, he remained a significant influence and a symbol of conservative values until his retirement.

During his tenure, Inhofe wrote “The Greatest Hoax: How the Global Warming Conspiracy Threatens Your Future,” detailing his views on climate change. He frequently insisted that climate changes are primarily driven by natural variations rather than human activities, calling human-induced global warming a “hoax.” In his 2003 speech challenging the consensus on climate change, he criticized the Kyoto Protocol, expressing concerns about its economic impact on the U.S. and its limited environmental benefits.

Inhofe’s controversial statements were not limited to climate change. He famously expressed his outrage more at the public outrage than at the torture of inmates following the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. His staunch opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion often put him at odds with progressive advocates.

Throughout his career, Inhofe received considerable political donations from the fossil fuel industry, including more than $2 million from the coal and oil sectors. This support reinforced his position as a leading advocate for fossil fuel interests in Congress. His actions and views on climate change have been widely criticized by environmentalists and scientists, but he remained a staunch conservative, consistently ranked among the most conservative members of Congress.

Inhofe’s influence transcended his time in office with a large network of former staff members now occupying influential roles in government, the private sector, and advocacy groups. Notable alumni include Andrew Wheeler, the former administrator of the EPA, and Marc Morano, the executive director of Climate Depot, a climate denial advocacy group.

Reactions to Inhofe’s death have come from across the political spectrum. Several Republican politicians, including Representative Frank Lucas and Senator Mitt Romney, paid tribute to Inhofe’s dedication as a public servant and his leadership on national defense issues. Despite controversies, many acknowledge Inhofe’s legacy as a strong advocate for conservative values and military strength.

James Inhofe’s career was defined by his unyielding commitment to his beliefs, regardless of the controversies they generated. His legacy, particularly his views on climate change, will continue to be a topic of debate as environmental policy discussions progress.

Inhofe is survived by his wife, three children, and more than a dozen grandchildren. His son, Perry Inhofe, died in a plane crash near Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2013.