Freedom of Speech Update: DOJ Considered Action against Climate Change “Deniers”

Attorney General Loretta Lynch admitted in testimony before Congress yesterday that the Department of Justice has considered legal action against those who question climate change orthodoxy. Here is the report from CNSNews.com:

Attorney General Loretta Lynch acknowledged Wednesday that there have been discussions within the Department of Justice about possibly pursuing civil action against so-called climate change deniers.

“This matter has been discussed. We have received information about it and have referred it to the FBI to consider whether or not it meets the criteria for which we could take action on,” Lynch said at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Justice Department operations.

Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island compared possible legal action against "deniers" to that against tobacco companies in the Clinton years:

“A request for action by the Department of Justice has been referred by you to the FBI. My question to you is other than civil forfeitures and matters attendant to a criminal case, are there other circumstances in which a civil matter under the authority of the Department of Justice has been referred to the FBI?” [Whitehouse] asked.

“Senator, thank you for raising that issue, and thank you for your work in this area. I know your commitment is deep. This matter has been discussed. We have received information about it and have referred it to the FBI to consider whether or not it meets the criteria for which we could take action on. I’m not aware of a civil referral at this time,” said Lynch.

“I will look into that and get back to you, but I’m not aware of a civil referral outside of the one that you just raised,” added Lynch.

From what I can tell, the legal action being considered is against companies and not against individuals who challenge the orthodoxy on climate change.  But, if you own oil stock as a cushion for your old age, you will be affected anyway.

Two things must be said: the science, contrary to what the administration likes to claim, is far from settled, and, second, whatever the science, the left hates fossil fuels with a religious fervor. It apparently will do anything to stop us from benefitting from them. Even if it means curtailing free speech.