Mike Pence

Mike Pence

Credentials

Background

Michael Richard “Mike” Pence is Vice President of the United States. Prior to joining the administration of Donald J. Trump, Pence was the 50th Governor of Indiana. Before he became Governor in 2013, Mike Pence worked for six terms in Congress. While a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Pence served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and was vice chair of the subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. He also served on the subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. In 2008, he was elected Republican Conference chairman. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) has described Pence as a “personal friend.”3Amber Phillips. “Who is Mike Pence?” The Washington Post, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/R7BmY 4Mike Pence, ’86, to Become Vice President January 20,” Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, December 13, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2Uveh 5Paul Kane. “What Paul Ryan wants in Donald Trump’s vice-presidential selection,” The Washington Post, July 13, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/JUM43

According to The Washington PostPence “became a household name” when he signed a religious freedom bill into law in 2015. The bill extended legal protection to businesses in Indiana who did not want to participate in same-sex weddings, receiving widespread criticism that it sanctioned discrimination.6Amber Phillips. “Who is Mike Pence?” The Washington Post, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/R7BmY

In the early 1990s, Pence was a board member of the Indiana Family Institute (IFI), a “far-right group that supported the criminalization of abortion and campaigned against equal rights for homosexuals,” as put by Jane Mayer in her 2017 profile piece in The New Yorker, titled “The Danger of President Pence.”7Jane Mayer. “The Danger of President Pence,” The New Yorker, October 23, 2017. Archived October 23, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NA2aA

Pence has early roots in the Tea Party. Marc Short, a former Pence aid, described Pence as “one of the earliest advocates for the Tea Party and his votes reflected frustration in 2010.”8Vaughn Hillyard and Carrie Dann. “Who is Potential GOP VP Pick Mike Pence?” NBC News, July 11, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/tosaG

In the 1990s, before he came to Congress, Pence worked as an Indiana radio and TV host, dubbing himself “Rush Limbaugh on decaf.” “The Mike Pence Show” aired on Indiana radio from 1994 through 1999, while Pence also hosted a Sunday morning TV show in Indianapolis from 1995 to 1999.9Vaughn Hillyard and Carrie Dann. “Who is Potential GOP VP Pick Mike Pence?” NBC News, July 11, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/tosaG 10Ones de la Cuetara and Chris Good. “Mike Pence: Everything You Need to Know,” ABC News, July 20, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7mxQZ

Mother Jones profiled Pence in July, 2016, describing him as “a perfect match” for Donald Trump on climate change, highlighting Pence’s prior declaration that “global warming is a myth.”11Natalie Schreyer. “On Climate Change, Pence and Trump Are a Perfect Match,” Mother Jones, July 15, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2F0bP

Pence is a vocal proponent of coal, describing Indiana as a “proud pro-coal state.”12Maureen Groppe. “Pence encourages states to fight greenhouse gas rules, Indianapolis Star, July 0, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0WAC8 He has said that “we must continue to oppose the overreaching schemes of the EPA until we bring their war on coal to end.” In 2015, Pence sent a letter to President Obama, rejecting his state’s participation in the Clean Power Plan.13Michael R. Pence. “Dear Mr. President” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, June 24, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Vice President of the United States

On July 15, 2016, Donald Trump chose Mike Pence as his vice-presidential running mate. Immediately after the announcement, Pence said that he was “very supportive of Donald Trump’s call to temporarily suspend immigration from countries where terrorist influence and impact represents a threat to the United States.”14Donald Trump announces Mike Pence as VP pick – as it happened,” The Guardian, July 15, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/OHgyd 15Theodore Schlepper and Olivia Beavers. “Pence ‘very supportive’ of latest version of Trump Muslim ban,” CNN, July 16, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/bDONt

In November 2016, Trump announced that Pence would be taking over leadership of Donald Trump’s transition team, replacing Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, The New York Times reported.16Michael D. Shear, Maggie Habermas, and Michael S. Schmidt. “Vice President-Elect Pence to Take Over Trump Transition Effort,” The New York Times, November 11, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/OBMzn

In his role on the Trump Transition team, Politico reported that Pence was influential as a mediator between Trump and republicans, as well as assisting Trump on Cabinet picks. “Pence’s importance as a link between the White House and GOP lawmakers is likely to grow as Trump turns to pushing through an ambitious legislative agenda,” Politico reported.17Eliana Johnson and Andrew Restuccia. “Pence’s power play,” Politico, December 4, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/T8l00

Koch Ties

David Koch has personally given more money to Mike Pence than any other candidate,18KOCH, DAVID HAMILTON,” FollowTheMoney.org. Accessed October 23, 2017. with records indicating he gave $200,000 to Pence and his running mate in 2012 when he ran for governor of Indiana, plus $100,000 to pence individually in 2016 before he withdrew to run for Vice President.195 Facts About Mike Pence’s Close Ties to the Koch Brothers Not Included in Jane Mayer’s New Yorker Article,” DeSmog, October 20, 2017.

According to Scott Peterson at the Checks & Balanced Project, the Project hadn’t found “much money going from the Kochs to Pence before he promoted the ‘No Climate Tax’ pledge,” but after he signed the pledge to fight against climate change legislation, “he was the Kochs’ guy, and they’ve been showering him with money ever since.”20Jane Mayer. “The Danger of President Pence,” The New Yorker, October 23, 2017. Archived October 23, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NA2aA

While the Koch Brothers largely stayed outside of the 2016 presidential race, the Washington Post notes that several of Pence’s top aides have worked inside the Koch brothers’ corporate and political networks.21Amber Phillips. “Who is Mike Pence?” The Washington Post, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/R7BmY

The Nation reports that Mike Pence has been a “loyal political ally” of the Koch Brothers for years. “Pence has employed many top Koch staffers in his political offices, and vice-versa, while a steady flow of Koch money has filled Pence’s campaign accounts,” George Zornick writes at The Nation.22George Zornick. “Vice President Mike Pence Would Be a Dream for the Koch Brothers,” The Nation, July 14, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Jj3LS

Indiana is one big free market, [and] much like Koch Industries, Mike Pence … picks the right fights,” said pollster Kellyanne Conway in 2014. Conway is just one of many people who have worked with both Pence and groups in the Koch network.

In 1991, Pence became president of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation (IPRF). While small at the time, IPRF grew thanks to extensive support from the Koch network of donors. When Pence moved to Congress, both Koch Industries and Koch Enterprises were major donors.23Top 20 Contributors to Campaign Cmte and Leadership PAC,” OpenSecrets.org. Accessed December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/E9pI6

While governor of Indiana, Pence made some of the largest tax cuts in the state’s history. They were applauded by Koch groups, including the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity (AFP). Tim Phillips, AFP president, told applauded Pence: “He’s made Indiana a leader when it comes to moving forward with greater economic freedom,” he told the Washington Post.24Philip Rucker. “Mike Pence lays out vision for a presidential campaign. But will he be a candidate? The Washington Post, December 12, 2014. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xZgrS

There are numerous staff connections between Pence and the Koch network including Marc Short. Short was Pence’s former advisor and chief of staff, after which he became president of Freedom Partners, a group Politico described as “The Koch Brothers’ Secret Bank.”25Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei. “The Koch brothers’ secret bank,” Politico, September 11, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2mVzC Short later joined Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign in February 2016.26Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei. “The Koch brothers’ secret bank,” Politico, September 11, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2mVzC 27Did the Kochs Just Anoint Marco Rubio? PR Watch, February 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/6xzCo

Pence had also hired Matt Lloyd, a former communications director for Koch Industries, after he experienced political backlash to his unpopular “Religious Freedom” law. Lloyd had also been a prior staffer to Pence in Congress before leaving for his Koch job.28George Zornick. “Vice President Mike Pence Would Be a Dream for the Koch Brothers,” The Nation, July 14, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Jj3LS

Stance on Climate Change

September 2016

Mike Pence said the following during an appearance on CNN‘s “New Day” with hose Chris Cuomo:29Tom Kludt. “Mike Pence appears at odds with Trump on climate change,” CNN, September 27, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/81Cc8

“The reality is that this climate change agenda that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton want to continue to expand is killing jobs in this country. 

Look, we can develop all of the resources of this country. We can end the war on coal and continue to develop clean coal technology. […] 

Well, look, there’s no question that the activities that take place in this country and in countries around the world have some impact on the environment and some impact on climate.”

July 2016

Media Matters notes that Pence is a climate science denier. When asked whether he believed climate change was man-made, Pence responded: “I don’t know that that is a resolved issue in science today.” Pence added: “Just a few years ago, we were talking about global warming. We haven’t seen a lot of warming lately. I remember back in the ‘70s we were talking about the coming ice age.”30What Media Should Know About Trump’s Reported VP Pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence,” Media Matters, July 14, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7EML6

February 2014

In a 2014 interview with Chuck Todd, Pence said he doesn’t know if man-made climate change “is a resolved issue in science today” and later added, “We’ll leave the scientific debates for the future.”31Mike Pence: ‘I support traditional marriage,” MSNBC, February 21, 2014. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YPQGv 

April 2015

Kara Brooks, press secretary for Gov. Pence, told The Star Press: “The governor continues to keep an open mind about the science behind the cause of climate change but does not believe that it has been fully resolved yet.”32Seth Slabaugh. “Pence changes opinion on climate change,” The Star Press, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sG0wY

April 24, 2009

Pence is signatory33Pledge Takers,” No Climate Tax. Archived October 23, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sNkSU to the “No Climate Tax” pledge, created by the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity. Signatories to the pledge promise to “oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net federal increase in federal government revenue”34About,” No Climate Tax. Archived October 23, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Hf7eZ:

After Pence signed the pledge, the number of signatories from the U.S. House Republican Party quickly increased from 13 to 156 by November 2010, Scott Peterson of the Checks and Balanced Project noted.355 Facts About Mike Pence’s Close Ties to the Koch Brothers Not Included in Jane Mayer’s New Yorker Article,” DeSmog, October 20, 2017.

April 2008

On Earth day, The Star Press asked Pence whether he agreed with this statement: “The time for doubt has passed. Scientific experts have clearly affirmed that our climate system is warming, as is evident from increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level.”36Seth Slabaugh. “Pence changes opinion on climate change,” The Star Press, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sG0wY

He agreed.

The Star Press asked Pence whether he agreed with this statement: “This warming is directly linked to human activity. Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.”

Pence: “I would not agree that there is broad consensus on man-made or human activity being the proximate cause of global warming. I think there is more diversity of opinion among many scientists in this area of discipline than most people realize. I don’t think global warming as caused by human activity is a settled question in the scientific community.”

The Star Press asked Pence whether he agreed with this statement: “Global warming will lead to impacts on weather, agriculture, species, ecosystems, fisheries, coastlines, low-lying areas, vegetation, and drinking water that are abrupt or irreversible.”

Pence:  “Claims of catastrophic consequences in global warming are not reflective of the majority of the opinions even among IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) scientists … “

The Star Press asked Pence whether he agreed with this statement: “Local, state and federal governments should take action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.”

Pence: “I think it is appropriate for particularly the federal government to encourage investment in new, clean, alternative technologies. But I think it should be done in a way that puts the broad interests of the American people first. If we were to embrace the more draconian proposals being advocated by some in Congress and the environmental movement we could see as much as a 20 percent increase in utility bills for Hoosiers.”

April 2006

After evangelical Christian leaders signed a full-page advertisement in The New York Times below the headline, “Our commitment to Jesus Christ compels us to solve the global warming crisis …”

Pence Said, “A lot of these men and women are wonderful leaders in the evangelical community, and I respect their right to be heard on issues unrelated to their expertise. Every American has that right. (But) any fair reading of the science today, while global warming has taken place, it is not yet clear that it is being driven by human activity. But I’m trying to read as much as I can. And my mom used to say ‘better safe than sorry,’ so I am glad the energy bill authorized construction of a number of nuclear power plants in this country, which represents electric-generating facilities that don’t produce so-called greenhouse gases. … It seems to me that this issue has such a significant ability to have an enormous drain on our economy and on our national economic vitality that we should simply let the science drive it.”37Seth Slabaugh. “Pence changes opinion on climate change,” The Star Press, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sG0wY

July 2002

Put me down as a profound skeptic in this debate. I’ve been on the record on that and haven’t changed. The theory of global warming is just that — a theory. I look no further than the broad majority of climatologists and climate experts in the world who recognize it as a theory. It is a minority that recognizes it — as much as the national media does — as fact.

Certainly we ought to study it. We only have one planet, and we ought to be investing the dollars to finding out what’s going on with our planet. (But) the evidence is simply not there to establish global warming as a scientific fact. It’s a political fact, but until it becomes a scientific fact, I think we need to proceed very slowly and cautiously about the development of policy to confront it.”38Seth Slabaugh. “Pence changes opinion on climate change,” The Star Press, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sG0wY 39Seth Slabaugh. “Pence ‘open-minded’ on climate change,” The Star Press, April 27, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/78QVj

2000

An archived version of Mike Pence’s congressional website includes a page on the “Global Warming Disaster.” Choice excepts below:40Seth Slabaugh. “Pence ‘open-minded’ on climate change,” The Star Press, April 27, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/78QVj

“Global warming is a myth. The global warming treaty is a disaster. There, I said it.

“Just like the ‘new ice age’ scare of the 1970’s, the environmental movement has found a new chant for their latest ‘chicken little’ attempt to raise taxes and grow centralized governmental power. The chant is ‘the sky is warming! the sky is warming!’. The only problem is that many Americans, including Vice President Al Gore, didn’t learn of their deceit the last time around and are buying this new bit hook, line and sinker. 

“Here’s the deal. Environmentalists claim that certain ‘greenhouse gases’ like carbon dioxide are mucking up the atmosphere and causing the earth to gradually warm. Despite the fact that CO2 is a naturally occurring phenomenon in nature, the Greenpeace folks want to blame it all on coal (another natural mineral) and certain (evil) coal burning power plants. The theory is; get rid of the (evil) coal burning plants and we save the planet from imminent doom.

“Several problems arise when one considers the issue of global warming.

“First, the earth is actually cooler today than it was about 50 years ago. In fact, most climatologists agree that, at best, global warming is a theory about future climactic conditions and cannot be proven based upon the historic record. 

“Second, the greenhouse gases alluded to are real but are mostly the result of volcanoes, hurricanes and underwater geologic displacements. Regrettably, none of these causes can be corralled by environmentalists hungry for regulation and taxes and, therefore, must be ignored.  

“Third, even if there was global warming (there isn’t), the Global Climate Treaty brokered by Vice President Al Gore in Kyoto, Japan last year is hardly the answer. ”41Global Warming Disaster,” Mikepence.com. Archived April 15, 2001. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/VxXVy

Key Quotes

June 24, 2015

Pence sent a letter to President Obama, rejecting the Clean Power Plan: 

“I reject the Clean Power Plan and inform you that absent demonstrable and significant improvement in the final rule, Indiana will not comply.”42Michael R. Pence. “Dear Mr. President” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, June 24, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

July 2010

Following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster which killed 11 people and spilled millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Pence called for more offshore drilling:43Connie Hair. “Obama Defies Court with Second Moratorium,” Human Events, July 13, 2010. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/wmdFR

“The president’s relentless effort to stop deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is threatening to ruin an already devastated economy,” Pence said.44Connie Hair. “Obama Defies Court with Second Moratorium,” Human Events, July 13, 2010. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/wmdFR

June 2009

“If the Democrats’ cap and trade bill were to become law, estimates suggest that the average American family would face up to $4,300 a year in extra energy costs and anywhere between 1.8 and 7 million American jobs could be lost.”

“This national energy tax amounts to an economic declaration of war on America’s families, small businesses and family farms.  The American people know we can do better.”45(Press Release). “Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) Delivers Weekly Republican Address,” Christian News Wire, June 13, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/AgfFe

May 2009

“In the mainstream media, Chris, there is a denial of the growing skepticism in the scientific community about global warming.”46Mike Pence on MSNBC Hardball with Chris Matthews,” YouTube video uploaded by user Mike Pence, May 5, 2009.

April 2009

“I think, rightly understood, the cap and trade legislation represents an economic declaration of war on the Midwest by liberals in Washington, D.C. I really believe Democratic climate change legislation will cap growth and trade jobs. If ever there was a time that Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois were unable to take the impact of what amounts to a national  energy tax, it’s a time like this.”47Seth Slabaugh. “Pence changes opinion on climate change,” The Star Press, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sG0wY

April 27, 2009

The reality is, the cap-and-trade legislation offered by the Democrats amounts to an economic declaration of war on the Midwest by liberals on Capitol Hill.”48Alex Isenstadt. “Cap and trade hits speed bumps,” Politico, April 27, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/mAWbG

2000

“Time for a quick reality check. Despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesn’t kill.”49The Great American Smoke Out,” MikePence.com. Archived April 15, 2001. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/kbxZl 

Key Deeds

May 26, 2022

Pence wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal where he criticized corporate governance practices known as Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG), claiming that “in 2022 the woke left is poised to conquer corporate America and has set in motion a strategy to enforce their radical environmental and social agenda on publicly traded corporations.”50Mike Pence. “Republicans Can Stop ESG Political Bias,” Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2022. Archived March 21, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/4FyOn

July 30, 2019

Pence was greeted by members of an anti-wind advocacy group during a visit to Ohio and was photographed signing autographs on their branded t-shirts.51TiffinOhio.net Staff. “VP Pence signs Anti-Wind Union t-shirts, lends support to anti-wind groups during Ohio stop,” go.tiffinohio.net, August 2, 2019. Archived August 7, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/lD3Pj

Prior to his visit, the Seneca Anti-Wind Union supported a bill signed into law by Ohio’s governor to bail out the state’s coal and nuclear power industries and roll back renewable energy standards. After the bill’s signing, Governor DeWine attended a private fundraiser with President Trump hosted by an Ohio coal magnate.52TiffinOhio.net Staff. “VP Pence signs Anti-Wind Union t-shirts, lends support to anti-wind groups during Ohio stop,” go.tiffinohio.net, August 2, 2019. Archived August 7, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/lD3Pj

June 23, 2019

Pressed repeatedly by CNN’s Jake Tapper if he believed human-induced climate change posed a threat to U.S. national security, Pence prevaricated, stating that the U.S. already had the cleanest air and water in the world and that the administration would always “follow the science.”53Chris Cillizza. “Mike Pence’s unbelievable answer on whether climate change is a threat,” CNN, June 24, 2019. Archived June 26, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/NT3PD

The full exchange is below:

TAPPER: But I want to ask you a question about climate change. The director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, said in a January report on worldwide threats that the climate emergency is – quote – “likely to fuel competition for resources, economic distress and social discontent.” It is a priority for the DNI, Coats. The EPA this week, however, rolled back part of President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, letting states set their own limit for coal power plants emissions. Do you believe think human-induced climate emergency is a threat to the United States?

PENCE: Well, what – what I will tell you is that we will always follow the science on that in this administration.

TAPPER: The science says it is.

PENCE: But what – but what we – but what we won’t do – and the Clean Power Plan was all about that – was hamstringing energy in this country, raising the cost of utility rates for working families across this country…

TAPPER: But is it a threat?

PENCE: … while other nations like China and India absolutely do nothing or make illusory promises decades down the road to deal with it. You know, the truth of the matter is, with the advent of natural gas, with the natural gas explosion that is developing…

TAPPER: Yes.

PENCE: … with clean coal technology, we’re seeing – we’re seeing a significant reduction in carbon emissions all across this country.

TAPPER: But is what people are calling a climate emergency, is it a threat? Do you think it is a threat, man-made climate emergency is a threat?

PENCE: I think the answer to is going to be based upon the science.

TAPPER: Well, the science says yes.

PENCE: Well…

TAPPER: I’m asking you what you think.

PENCE: There is many in the science that…

TAPPER: The science community in your own administration, at NOAA

PENCE: I got it.

TAPPER: … at the DNI, they all say it is a threat.

PENCE: I got it. Look, what the President…

TAPPER: But you won’t, for some reason.

PENCE: … has said, what we have said is that we’re not going to raise utility rates. Remember what President Obama said?

TAPPER: But it is not a threat?

PENCE: He said – he said – he had his climate change plan. He said it is necessarily going to cause utility rates to skyrocket, and that would force us into these green technologies. Now you have got Democrats all running for president that are running on a Green New Deal that would break this economy.

TAPPER: OK. So you don’t think it is a threat, is all I’m saying? You don’t think it is a threat?

PENCE: I think we’re making great progress reducing carbon emissions, America has the cleanest air and water in the world. We will continue to use market forces…

TAPPER: That is not true. We don’t have the cleanest air and water in the world. We don’t.54Chris Cillizza. “Mike Pence’s unbelievable answer on whether climate change is a threat,” CNN, June 24, 2019. Archived June 26, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/NT3PD

July 2015

In a news conference with the industry advocacy group American Energy Alliance (AEA), Pence encouraged more states to follow his lead in fighting against President Obama’s Clean Power Plan. Pence described Indiana as a “proud pro-coal state.”55Maureen Groppe. “Pence encourages states to fight greenhouse gas rules, Indianapolis Star, July 0, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0WAC8

We do have a choice,” Pence said. “You can refuse to submit a state plan. You can challenge the EPA’s ability to impose a federal plan. There’s nothing illegal about saying ‘no’ on behalf of ratepayers and businesses in your state.”56Maureen Groppe. “Pence encourages states to fight greenhouse gas rules, Indianapolis Star, July 0, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0WAC8

Pence was meeting with Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance. Pyle stated that “The sheer enormity of having to potentially deal with a dozen or so federal implementation plans would overwhelm the EPA to the point where they would probably have to throw up their hands,” Pyle said. Thomas Pyle was chosen to head Trump’s “Energy Transition Team” in December, 2016.57Maureen Groppe. “Pence encourages states to fight greenhouse gas rules, Indianapolis Star, July 0, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0WAC8

June 24, 2015

Mike Pence sent a letter to President Obama, stating that Indiana would refuse to comply with the Clean Power Plan unless there was “significant improvement” to it.58Michael R. Pence. “Dear Mr. President” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, June 24, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“Your approach to energy policy places environmental concerns above all others,” he wrote to Obama. “As I wrote to
Administrator McCarthy on December 1, 2014, the proposed rules are ‘ill-conceived and poorly constructed’ and they exceed the EPA’s legal authority under the Clean Air Act.”

March 26, 2015

Mike Pence is known for signing a controversial “religious freedom” bill, Senate Bill 101, also titled the Religious Freedom Restoration act (RFRA). Opponents argued would make it easier to discriminate against LGBT people. 

“Today I signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, because I support the freedom of religion for every Hoosier of every faith,” Pence said in a statement after he signed Senate Bill 101. “The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution both provide strong recognition of the freedom of religion but today, many people of faith feel their religious liberty is under attack by government action” he said.59(Press Release). “Governor Pence Issues Statement Regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” IN.gov, March 26, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/gGvix

Thousands of people protested against the bill in Indiana, claiming it was a covert move to discriminate against gay people. A number of business leaders also criticized the bill:60Thousands march in Indiana to protest law seen targeting gays,” Reuters, March 28, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/RbEGO

“Angie’s List is open to all and discriminates against none and we are hugely disappointed in what this bill represents,” company chief executive Bill Oesterle said.

While opponents argued that the bill serves as a license to discriminate against LGBT people on religious grounds, Pence responded:

This bill is not about discrimination, and if I thought it legalized discrimination in any way in Indiana, I would have vetoed it,” he said.61Emma Margolin. “Religious freedom bill becomes law in Indiana,” MSNBC.com, March 26, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ct5MF

July 9, 2014

Mike Pence sent a letter to members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation, suggesting they use the appropriations process as a method to deny the Obama administration funding to implement its climate change policy:62“Dear Members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, July 9, 2014. Retrieved from BNA.com. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

 “Using the power of the purse, Congress has the ability to block or prevent implementation of the EPA’s proposed regulations on new and existing power plants. I respectfully urge you to support legislative efforts to do so,” Pence wrote in the letter.63“Dear Members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, July 9, 2014. Retrieved from BNA.com. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

September 2, 2009

Mike Pence chaired the Energy Summit in Columbus, an event also featuring House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Rep. Steve Austria (R-OH), Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH). It was a part of a series of House GOP-hosted Energy summits designed to oppose the Democrats’ national energy tax and to “promote a better solution, the American Energy Act.”64Kevin Boland. “House GOP Holds Energy Summit in Ohio, Highlights Better Solutions for Clean Energy,” Speaker.gov, September 3, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/iLtL4

Individuals representing industry including the the National Black Chamber of Commerce to the Ohio Coal Association appeared at the event to oppose an increased national energy tax.65Kevin Boland. “House GOP Holds Energy Summit in Ohio, Highlights Better Solutions for Clean Energy,” Speaker.gov, September 3, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/iLtL4

DeSmog reported that the event attracted more protestors than those attending the event.66Brendan DeMelle. “Protesters Outnumber Attendees At Ohio GOP ‘Energy Summit’,” DeSmog, September 2, 2009. According to ProgressOhio.org, over 50 protesters turned out to heckle the GOPers for their ‘stone age’ efforts to ignore the threat of climate change.67Bret Thompson. “More Protest Outside GOP Energy Event Than Attendees,” ProgressOhio.org, September 2, 2009. Archived September 6, 2009. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/5s88B

May 2009

Mike Pence appeared on MSNBC‘s Hardball with Chris Matthews. Video and excerpts below.68Mike Pence on MSNBC Hardball with Chris Matthews,” YouTube video uploaded by user Mike Pence, May 5, 2009.

“Well let me tell you. I think the science is very mixed on the subject of global warming, Chris. […] I’m all for clean air, I’m all for clean coal technology. I’m sure reducing CO2 emissions, that’d be a positive thing. 

“You’re going to see Republicans like at our Energy Summit today, you’re going to see us oppose this massive national energy tax and the cap-and-trade. But you’re also going to see, Chris, republicans come out with an all-of-the-above strategy.”

“In the mainstream media, Chris, there is a denial of the growing skepticism in the scientific community about global warming.”

“We’re going to promote clean coal technologies, give incentives, but we’re not going to raise a national energy tax.”

Thinkprogress reported on the interchange, noting that pence also said he believes in creationism:69Pence: I’m Not ‘Anti-Science’…But I Don’t Believe In Global Warming, Stem Cell Research, Or Evolution,” ThinkProgress, May 5, 2009.Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ATKI4

PENCE: “Uh, do I believe in evolution? I embrace the view that God created the Heavens and the Earth, the Seas and all that’s in them. The means that he used to do that, I can’t say, but I do believe in that fundamental truth.”70Pence: I’m Not ‘Anti-Science’…But I Don’t Believe In Global Warming, Stem Cell Research, Or Evolution,” ThinkProgress, May 5, 2009.Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ATKI4

Did you take biology in school?” asked an incredulous Matthews. “If your party wants to be credible on science, you gotta accept science. … I don’t think your party is passionately committed to science, or fighting global warming, or dealing with the scientific facts we live with.”71Pence: I’m Not ‘Anti-Science’…But I Don’t Believe In Global Warming, Stem Cell Research, Or Evolution,” ThinkProgress, May 5, 2009.Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ATKI4

Tell me what you really think, Chris,” Pence retorted. “This anti-science thing is a little bit weak.”72Pence: I’m Not ‘Anti-Science’…But I Don’t Believe In Global Warming, Stem Cell Research, Or Evolution,” ThinkProgress, May 5, 2009.Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ATKI4

DeSmog reported that during his three appearances on MSNBC, Pence “lied twice about the cost of reducing carbon emissions and asserted that global warming is a liberal myth.”73Kevin Grandia. “GOP Rep. Pence Says “Science is Very Mixed” on Global Warming, Lies Again Twice About MIT Study on MSNBC,” DeSmog, May 7, 2009.

Pence and other GOP leaders had claimed that transitioning to a greener economy could cost up to $3,128 per American family. The GOP claimed this figure was based on an MIT study co-authored by economist John Reilly.74Kevin Grandia. “GOP Rep. Pence Says “Science is Very Mixed” on Global Warming, Lies Again Twice About MIT Study on MSNBC,” DeSmog, May 7, 2009.

Reilly has pressed the GOP to stop misrepresenting his study, saying the GOP is “just wrong. It’s wrong in so many ways it’s hard to begin” to explain, Reilly said.75Soon Rhee. “Warring over warming,” Boston.com, April 2, 2009. Archived October 19, 2011. Archive.is URL:  https://archive.is/GJZWj  Reilly told Climate Progress that “apart from the misrepresentation of the costs” by the GOP, “it is inappropriate to draw conclusions on the costs of Waxman-Markey” from a study published two years ago that doesn’t model key cost-containment provisions, such as the use of offsets.76Exclusive: MIT Professor says GOP, Weekly Standard ‘misrepresentation’ of his April 2007 study to project costs for Waxman-Markey is ‘inappropriate,’silly’ and ‘just wrong’,” ThinkProgress, April 23, 2009. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/cDipP

Reilly sent multiple letters to GOP leaders explaining their error to them, however they had not stopped from continuing to misrepresent it.77Lee Fang. “EXCLUSIVE LETTER: MIT Professor Tells Boehner To Stop ‘Misrepresenting’ Green Economy Legislation,” ThinkProgress, April 1, 2009. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/RaB3f

Pence repeated it Tuesday on MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and again later in the day in an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell. Neither correspondent challenged Pence for quoting the repeatedly debunked statistic.78Kevin Grandia. “GOP Rep. Pence Says “Science is Very Mixed” on Global Warming, Lies Again Twice About MIT Study on MSNBC,” DeSmog, May 7, 2009.

April 2009

Mike Pence headed a “mock climate hearing” at the Capitol Visitor Center attacking the the Waxman-Markey “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” at that time being debated in congress. DeSmog noted that “the ‘hearing’ might as well be called the Summit of Dirty Fuels Industry Apologists.”79Kevin Grandia. “GOP to host ‘Mock Climate Hearing’ (a.k.a. Coal/Oil-apalooza 2009),” DeSmog, April 30, 2009.

Pence invited John Engler, former Governor of Michigan and current president of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and a range of other oil and coal industry representatives claiming cap-and-trade legislation are harmful to consumers and the economy.80Kevin Grandia. “GOP to host ‘Mock Climate Hearing’ (a.k.a. Coal/Oil-apalooza 2009),” DeSmog, April 30, 2009.

Among the “handful of other experts,” according to Politico, are unnamed “scholars from the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute, the president of Laredo Petroleum and a former official at the Environmental Protection Agency.”81Patrick O’Connor. “Republicans host mock climate hearing,” Politico, April 30, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ib6lT

The hearing is part of the GOP’s plan for a “communications offensive over the next four weeks” to assert that the Waxman-Markey climate legislation “amounts to a national energy tax that will destroy jobs and increase costs for every single American.”82Molly K. Hooper. “GOP seizes on energy bill as ‘national tax‘,” The Hill, April 26, 2009. Archived April 28, 2008. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/QeFm5

Affiliations

Committees91Mike Pence Congressional Papers,” Indiana University Bloomington. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YpmD3

  • House of Representatives Agriculture Committee — 2001 – 2006
    • Subcommittees on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, and Livestock and Agriculture
  • Science Committee — 2001-2002
    • Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
  • Committee on International Relations (renamed Foreign Affairs in 2007) — 2003-2012
    • Subcommittees on International Terrorism, Non-Proliferation and Human Rights — 2003-2004
    • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation — 2006
    • Subcommittee on The Middle East and Central Asia (renamed Middle East and South Asia in 2007) — 2003-2008. Vice-chair (2011 – 2012)
  •  Judiciary Committee —  2003-2008 and 2011-2012
    • Subcommittees on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property — 2003-2006
    • Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet — 2011-2012
    • Subcommittee on rime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in — 2003-2006 
    • Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties — 2007-2008
    • Subcommittee on The Constitution (Vice Chair) 2011-2012

Social Media

Resources

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  2. Mike Pence Biography,” Biography.com. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/cPIov
  3. Amber Phillips. “Who is Mike Pence?The Washington Post, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/R7BmY
  4. Mike Pence, ’86, to Become Vice President January 20,” Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, December 13, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/2Uveh
  5. Paul Kane. “What Paul Ryan wants in Donald Trump’s vice-presidential selection,” The Washington Post, July 13, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/JUM43
  6. Vaughn Hillyard and Carrie Dann. “Who is Potential GOP VP Pick Mike Pence?NBC News, July 11, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/tosaG
  7. Ones de la Cuetara and Chris Good. “Mike Pence: Everything You Need to Know,” ABC News, July 20, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/7mxQZ
  8. Natalie Schreyer. “On Climate Change, Pence and Trump Are a Perfect Match,” Mother Jones, July 15, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2F0bP
  9. Maureen Groppe. “Pence encourages states to fight greenhouse gas rules, Indianapolis Star, July 0, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/0WAC8
  10. Michael R. Pence. “Dear Mr. President” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, June 24, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
  11. Donald Trump announces Mike Pence as VP pick – as it happened,” The Guardian, July 15, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/OHgyd
  12. Theodore Schlepper and Olivia Beavers. “Pence ‘very supportive’ of latest version of Trump Muslim ban,” CNN, July 16, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/bDONt
  13. Michael D. Shear, Maggie Habermas, and Michael S. Schmidt. “Vice President-Elect Pence to Take Over Trump Transition Effort,The New York Times, November 11, 2016. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/OBMzn
  14. Eliana Johnson and Andrew Restuccia. “Pence’s power play,” Politico, December 4, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/T8l00
  15. George Zornick. “Vice President Mike Pence Would Be a Dream for the Koch Brothers,” The Nation, July 14, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/Jj3LS
  16. Top 20 Contributors to Campaign Cmte and Leadership PAC,” OpenSecrets.org. Accessed December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/E9pI6
  17. Philip Rucker. “Mike Pence lays out vision for a presidential campaign. But will he be a candidate? The Washington Post, December 12, 2014. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xZgrS
  18. Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei. “The Koch brothers’ secret bank,” Politico, September 11, 2013. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/2mVzC
  19. Did the Kochs Just Anoint Marco Rubio?PR Watch, February 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/6xzCo
  20. Tom Kludt. “Mike Pence appears at odds with Trump on climate change,” CNN, September 27, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/81Cc8
  21. What Media Should Know About Trump’s Reported VP Pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence,” Media Matters, July 14, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/7EML6
  22. Mike Pence: ‘I support traditional marriage,” MSNBC, February 21, 2014. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/YPQGv
  23. Seth Slabaugh. “Pence changes opinion on climate change,” The Star Press, October 4, 2016. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sG0wY
  24. Seth Slabaugh. “Pence ‘open-minded’ on climate change,” The Star Press, April 27, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/78QVj
  25. Global Warming Disaster,” Mikepence.com. Archived April 15, 2001. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/VxXVy
  26. Connie Hair. “Obama Defies Court with Second Moratorium,” Human Events, July 13, 2010. Archived December 21, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/wmdFR
  27. (Press Release). “Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) Delivers Weekly Republican Address,” Christian News Wire, June 13, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/AgfFe
  28. Mike Pence on MSNBC Hardball with Chris Matthews,” YouTube video uploaded by user Mike Pence, May 5, 2009.
  29. Alex Isenstadt. “Cap and trade hits speed bumps,” Politico, April 27, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/mAWbG
  30. The Great American Smoke Out,” MikePence.com. Archived April 15, 2001. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/kbxZl 
  31. (Press Release). “Governor Pence Issues Statement Regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” IN.gov, March 26, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/gGvix
  32. Thousands march in Indiana to protest law seen targeting gays,” Reuters, March 28, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/RbEGO
  33. Emma Margolin. “Religious freedom bill becomes law in Indiana,” MSNBC.com, March 26, 2015. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/ct5MF
  34. “Dear Members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation” (PDF), State of Indiana Office of the Governor, July 9, 2014. Retrieved from BNA.com. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
  35. Kevin Boland. “House GOP Holds Energy Summit in Ohio, Highlights Better Solutions for Clean Energy,” Speaker.gov, September 3, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/iLtL4
  36. Brendan DeMelle. “Protesters Outnumber Attendees At Ohio GOP ‘Energy Summit’,” DeSmog, September 2, 2009.
  37. Bret Thompson. “More Protest Outside GOP Energy Event Than Attendees,” ProgressOhio.org, September 2, 2009. Archived September 6, 2009. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/5s88B
  38. Pence: I’m Not ‘Anti-Science’…But I Don’t Believe In Global Warming, Stem Cell Research, Or Evolution,” ThinkProgress, May 5, 2009.Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/ATKI4
  39. Kevin Grandia. “GOP Rep. Pence Says “Science is Very Mixed” on Global Warming, Lies Again Twice About MIT Study on MSNBC,” DeSmog, May 7, 2009.
  40. Soon Rhee. “Warring over warming,” Boston.com, April 2, 2009. Archived October 19, 2011. Archive.is URL:  https://archive.is/GJZWj
  41. “Exclusive: MIT Professor says GOP, Weekly Standard ‘misrepresentation’ of his April 2007 study to project costs for Waxman-Markey is ‘inappropriate,’silly’ and ‘just wrong’,” ThinkProgress, April 23, 2009. Archive.is URLhttps://archive.is/cDipP
  42. Lee Fang. “EXCLUSIVE LETTER: MIT Professor Tells Boehner To Stop ‘Misrepresenting’ Green Economy Legislation,” ThinkProgress, April 1, 2009. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/RaB3f
  43. Kevin Grandia. “GOP to host ‘Mock Climate Hearing’ (a.k.a. Coal/Oil-apalooza 2009),” DeSmog, April 30, 2009.
  44. Patrick O’Connor. “Republicans host mock climate hearing,” Politico, April 30, 2009. Archived December 20, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ib6lT
  45. Molly K. Hooper. “GOP seizes on energy bill as ‘national tax‘,” The Hill, April 26, 2009. Archived April 28, 2008. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/QeFm5
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  47. Pledge Takers,” No Climate Tax. Archived October 23, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sNkSU
  48. About,” No Climate Tax. Archived October 23, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Hf7eZ
  49. 5 Facts About Mike Pence’s Close Ties to the Koch Brothers Not Included in Jane Mayer’s New Yorker Article,” DeSmog, October 20, 2017.
  50. KOCH, DAVID HAMILTON,” FollowTheMoney.org. Accessed October 23, 2017.
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  52. Mike Pence’s thoughts at the Values Voter Summit,” Indiana Family Institute, September 23, 2009. Archived October 23,2 017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/EEhWk
  53. Chris Cillizza. “Mike Pence’s unbelievable answer on whether climate change is a threat,” CNN, June 24, 2019. Archived June 26, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/NT3PD
  54. TiffinOhio.net Staff. “VP Pence signs Anti-Wind Union t-shirts, lends support to anti-wind groups during Ohio stop,” go.tiffinohio.net, August 2, 2019. Archived August 7, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/lD3Pj

Other Resources

Profile image by Gage Skidmore [CC BYSA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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