WASHINGTON, DC (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — According to a report by congressional newspaper The Hill, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) is vowing to prevent or at the least stall Al Gore's environmental concert from taking place at the U.S. Capitol.
Inhofe, a dedicated opponent of the notion of human effects on global climate change has been quoted describing global warming as "the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people" seems to be preparing to use his legislative influence to block indefinitely the resolution that would allow Gore to use Capitol property for his concert. "There has never been a partisan political event at the Capitol, and this is a partisan political event" said Inhofe.
Gore and Inhofe skirmished last week during hearings held by the environmental committee. Inhofe attempted to restrict the way in which Gore could respond to questions by the committee but was trumped by chairwoman Barbara Boxer who prevent Inhofe's instruction. Gore then rebuffed a personal energy usage pact offered by Inhofe, adding fuel to the confrontation.
Originally, the Mall had been eyed for the July 7th event, but it had been previously booked. This led Rules Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to support the unanimous passage of a resolution to allow the event to take place on the western front of the capital. However, after clearing committee, the resolution was blocked on the floor of the house when minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) made objection, requesting more time to study the resolution.
Inhofe has stated that he sees little chance for compromise, "There's no compromise. Either we change the rules or we don't." he said
After spending 8 years in the house, Inhofe was elected to represent Oklahoma in the United States Senate in 1994, he has received significant financial support from the gas and oil industry from whom he raised the lions-share of his campaign warchest for his most recent election. In addition to his vocal criticism of climate change science, he frequently cites the bible as useful guide to the formation of public policy.
The concert, expected to cost around 5 million to stage, will be free to patrons. The resolution provides that Capitol police will be reimbursed by event organizers for any expenses incurred. Planned to take place over a 24 hour period at locations around the globe, concert organizers are hoping to secure more than 100 performers. Some of names that have been announced so far include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Snoop Dogg- CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
