"Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett called climate change 'a contentious matter' and declined to acknowledge the existence of the scientifically established phenomenon during the third day of her confirmation hearing.
The 48-year-old judge has evaded direct questions about her views on rising temperatures from three senators over a marathon hearing that is all but assured to send her to the nation's highest court for a lifetime appointment.
Her refusal to recognize the findings of climate scientists is raising questions among some experts about how the conservative nominee would rule on climate and environmental cases over, perhaps, the next 30 years, when the effects of warming on oceans, species and humans are expected to intensify.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) asked Barrett yesterday if she believed 'human beings cause global warming.'
'I don't think I am competent to opine on what causes global warming or not,' Barrett answered."
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