Maher Mixes Up Greenhouse Gases Sparks Criticism

Clear Facts

• President Donald Trump has announced a significant rollback of Obama-era greenhouse gas regulations.
• EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the rollback aims to save Americans $1.3 trillion.
• Bill Maher confused carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide while criticizing the regulatory changes on his show.

The Trump administration is removing key restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions set under the previous administration, seeking economic benefits and reduced regulatory burdens.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin explained the new rule will deliver substantial financial savings and prioritize American interests.

On “Real Time,” Bill Maher attempted to criticize Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s support for the rollback but incorrectly described the greenhouse gases involved.

“Doug Burgum, he’s the interior secretary,” Maher said. “Listen to this, the way they all line up behind this nonsense. He said, CO2, carbon, was never a pollutant. He said when we breathe, we emit CO2. Okay, Doug, you know what? Let’s try this little experiment. Tonight, when you get home, go in the garage, close the door, turn the car on, and let’s see if carbon is a pollutant, okay? Thank you very much.”

Maher’s statements drew swift correction, with many noting that carbon monoxide from car exhaust is hazardous, while carbon dioxide is far less dangerous and naturally produced by humans and plants.

“I normally like Bill Maher, but trying to dunk on someone for climate change denialism while not understanding the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide pretty much sums up the unearned sense of moral superiority on the left,” Outkick writer Ian Miller wrote.

Meteorologist Chris Martz weighed in: “I like Bill Maher a lot, but someone needs to explain to him the difference between virtually harmless carbon dioxide (CO₂) and poisoning by carbon monoxide (CO). Also, I’d be happy to debate Maher about climate change. Fly me out to LA and I’ll be there.”

Senator Mike Lee emphasized the distinction, writing, “Different carbon, different effect, CO = deadly CO2 = plant food / exhaled by all breathing animals.”

The Environmental Protection Agency also moved to eliminate the “2009 Obama EPA Endangerment Finding,” a key driver of federal vehicle emissions standards, deeming several greenhouse gases harmful.

Burgum expressed his approval: “More energy drives human flourishing,” Burgum said. “Energy abundance is the thing that we have to focus on, not regulating certain forms of energy out.”

The White House and related agencies reaffirmed their commitment to policies that encourage energy production and secure economic prosperity for Americans.

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